Paveh Celebrates Pomegranate Harvest, Attracting Tourists and Promoting Sustainable Tourism in Iran, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on November 21, 2025

In Satiari village, Paveh County, Kermanshah province on November 21, 2025, the Satiari Pomegranate Harvest Thanksgiving event took place for the third time. The event is the largest of its kind in the region, attracting thousands of tourists. In collaboration with the Kermanshah Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Department, the celebration is part of the festival-themed heritage promotion strategy and the region’s cultural tourism. The celebration of the pomegranate harvest is a celebration of the local cultural practices that have been recently inscribed into the list of Iran’s intangible cultural heritage.

The festival is a celebration of the historical and cultural practices of the region and the agricultural prominence of pomegranate. In his speech, Dariush Farmani, head of Kermanshah Cultural Heritage Department, discussed the festival’s role in the promotion of Kermanshah region’s cultural traditions and in the celebration of the sustainable tourism development potential of the region.

Event-Based Tourism: Connecting Tradition with Modern Tourism Development

One of the central strategies behind the pomegranate harvest celebration is the promotion of event-based tourism. This approach, advocated by Kermanshah’s cultural authorities, aims to create experiences that are deeply rooted in the region’s intangible heritage—such as beliefs, customs, and rituals—while simultaneously drawing attention to the region as a destination for travelers. According to Farmani, these events are not just about celebrating the local culture but also serve as an avenue for increasing awareness about the region’s history and preserving its traditions for future generations.

The festival provides a unique opportunity to discuss and showcase local traditions, including the harvesting and processing of pomegranates, a practice that has been passed down for generations. The inclusion of local beliefs, traditional ceremonies, and the village’s agricultural heritage all contribute to the richness of the experience for both visitors and residents. Additionally, the celebration is a step toward ensuring that these cultural aspects are recognized and appreciated by a broader audience, particularly among younger generations who may not be as familiar with these customs.

Impact on Regional Tourism: Boosting Local Economy and Job Creation

The Paveh pomegranate festival has become an important driver of tourism in Kermanshah province. This year, the event’s success was evident as local accommodation centers in Paveh and neighboring cities were fully booked days before the event. The region’s tourism infrastructure saw a significant boost, with occupancy rates reaching 100% during the festival, showcasing the growing demand for cultural events in the area.

Farmani noted that the event plays a critical role in driving local economic growth. The influx of visitors—many of whom traveled from across Iran—resulted in increased business for local hotels, restaurants, and shops, contributing to the region’s overall economic prosperity. These events have become essential for the sustainable growth of tourism in the region, offering visitors an authentic experience while also providing vital economic benefits to local communities.

Additionally, the tourism generated by the festival helps to create jobs and support local businesses. From hotel staff and tour guides to vendors and cultural performers, the festival provides employment opportunities and supports the local economy. By promoting the unique aspects of local life, such as traditional food, crafts, and farming techniques, the event fosters community engagement and strengthens the region’s tourism infrastructure.

The Role of UNESCO and the Uraman Region in Tourism Growth

A key milestone for Kermanshah province was the inclusion of the Uraman region on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021. This recognition has significantly boosted the region’s tourism profile, drawing attention to its exceptional natural landscapes, unique architecture, and rich cultural heritage. The Uraman region, with its terraced villages, traditional stone houses, and scenic views, is an increasingly popular destination for tourists seeking to explore Iran’s heritage and natural beauty.

Farmani emphasized that the success of the pomegranate festival and the growing number of tourists visiting Kermanshah are directly tied to the global recognition of the Uraman region. The province’s tourism infrastructure has expanded, with the addition of 3,000 new residential beds in the past year, 80% of which are located in the UNESCO-listed Uraman region. This growth in accommodation capacity is a direct result of the increasing demand for cultural and eco-tourism experiences in the area.

Expanding Tourism Infrastructure: Investment and Development

The recognition of Uraman and the success of festivals like the pomegranate harvest celebration have also prompted increased investment in tourism infrastructure. According to Farmani, these developments include improvements in accommodation, transportation, and visitor services, which make it easier for tourists to explore the region’s cultural and natural treasures. The provincial government, in collaboration with local stakeholders, has made concerted efforts to improve infrastructure, ensuring that tourism growth is sustainable and beneficial for the local population.

By creating these enhanced facilities and services, Kermanshah is positioning itself as a top destination for both domestic and international tourists. The region’s strategic focus on preserving its cultural identity, while also modernizing its tourism offerings, ensures that visitors can enjoy a comfortable, memorable experience while contributing to the preservation of local heritage.

Sustainability and Preservation: A Commitment to Future Generations

The pomegranate harvest festival is just one example of how Kermanshah is combining tourism with cultural preservation. The event, along with the broader initiative of promoting the Uraman region, reflects the province’s commitment to sustainable tourism development. Farmani emphasized that it is essential to balance the growth of tourism with the preservation of the area’s unique heritage and natural environment. This approach ensures that future generations can continue to experience and enjoy the rich cultural traditions of the region.

The province’s tourism initiatives are designed to minimize the environmental impact of tourism while maximizing its benefits for the local community. By focusing on responsible travel, eco-friendly tourism practices, and cultural heritage preservation, Kermanshah is laying the foundation for a sustainable tourism model that can be replicated in other regions of Iran and beyond.

Paveh’s Pomegranate Festival as a Model for Cultural and Sustainable Tourism

Working to strengthen and expand its cultural and tourism significance, Kermanshah illustrates the impact of cultural traditions integrated with modern tourism as the celebration of the Paveh pomegranate harvest, being the most popular of the pomegranate harvest celebrations, gathers tourists and travelers from near and far seeking to engage with local traditions while supporting the region’s sustainable tourism.

Kermanshah, with further dedication to preserving its cultural heritage and investing in the necessary infrastructure, is apparently heading towards becoming one of the most important cultural and eco-tourism destinations in Iran, with the Paveh pomegranate celebration as one of the first of many annual events it hosts.