Qeshm Island, Iran Launches First Para-Tour for Deaf Visitors, Promoting Inclusive Tourism and Showcasing Water Heritage and Natural Wonders

Published on December 8, 2025

Qeshm Island, the largest island in the Persian Gulf, recently hosted its first-ever para-tour for deaf visitors, marking a significant step towards promoting inclusive tourism. The event, which aims to provide equal access to the island’s tourism resources, emphasises the value of inclusivity in the tourism industry. Qeshm Island, one of the few Iranian islands listed in the prestigious UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, is demonstrating its commitment to accessibility by highlighting its unique natural and cultural attractions while ensuring that people with disabilities can enjoy its beauty.

This move is part of a growing global focus on accessibility in tourism, with destinations aiming to create more inclusive environments for travellers of all abilities. Qeshm Island’s pioneering initiative sets a promising precedent for others to follow, highlighting the role that tourism can play in social inclusion and empowerment.

A Unique Experience for Deaf Visitors

The para-tour for deaf visitors was specifically tailored to ensure that individuals with hearing impairments could fully experience the island’s diverse attractions. Participants were guided by a professional fluent in sign language, making the tour informative and engaging for everyone. This group of hearing-impaired visitors explored some of Qeshm Island’s most iconic cultural and natural landmarks, including Laft, Sohaili Village, and Hengam Island.

These areas were selected not only for their historical and cultural significance but also for their connection to water. Water has played a vital role in shaping the lives of the local communities on Qeshm Island, with its resources being integral to the development of agriculture, settlements, and local culture. The tour focused on educating visitors about the island’s water-related heritage, demonstrating how water has influenced local civilization and the ecological landscape of the island.

Exploring Qeshm Island’s Water-Related Heritage

A highlight of the tour was the deep dive into Qeshm Island’s water-related heritage. Participants learnt about the unique role that water has played in shaping the island’s communities, both historically and in modern times. As the only Iranian island included in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, Qeshm’s water heritage is not only a source of local pride but also a key element of its broader geological significance.

Water systems on the island, including ancient wells, canals, and irrigation systems, have long been essential to the survival and prosperity of the island’s residents. Visitors were introduced to the techniques used by the local communities to manage and conserve these vital water resources. In addition to historical information, the tour also included programmes on current efforts to protect and preserve the island’s water resources for future generations.

The connection between water and the island’s ecological systems was also emphasized, showcasing how the natural environment has adapted to the island’s unique geography. The tour underscored the vital role of water conservation in maintaining the delicate balance between development and sustainability.

Qeshm Island’s Natural Wonders: Valley of the Stars and Chahkooh Canyon

Qeshm Island is often referred to as a “natural geology museum”, and it’s easy to see why. The island is home to some of the most stunning natural formations in the region. Two key geological landmarks – the Valley of the Stars and Chahkooh Canyon – were included in the tour for their striking beauty and historical significance.

The Valley of the Stars is one of Qeshm’s most iconic sites. A labyrinth of narrow canyons and towering rock formations, it was carved over millennia by the erosive forces of wind and rain. Local legends tell of a star that once fell in the valley, which is how it got its mystical name. The valley’s unique topography creates a surreal landscape that captivates visitors with its otherworldly appearance.

Chahkooh Canyon, another natural marvel, is etched into salt-limestone mountains by centuries of water erosion. The canyon features vertical cliffs, tight gorges, and dramatic rock formations, making it a popular destination for both tourists and geologists. The site offers an unforgettable experience, allowing visitors to marvel at the forces of nature that have shaped this stunning landscape.

Both the Valley of the Stars and Chahkooh Canyon are integral to Qeshm Island’s tourism offerings, with their awe-inspiring beauty and geological significance making them key attractions for visitors seeking to explore the island’s natural wonders.

Future Plans for Inclusive Tourism

The success of the para-tour for deaf visitors marks just the beginning of Qeshm Island’s efforts to expand inclusive tourism on the island. Azadeh Abedinzadeh, the director of cultural heritage, tourism, and handicrafts at the Qeshm Free Zone Organization, emphasized the importance of making tourism accessible for all, regardless of disability. She highlighted that the island is working towards meeting international accessibility standards and is planning similar programmes for other groups with disabilities in the future.

In addition to the para-tour, Qeshm Island has also launched its first local tour guide training course specifically designed for deaf participants. This initiative is a vital step in ensuring that the island’s tourism sector can cater to a diverse range of visitors, promoting inclusion within the workforce as well as in the visitor experience. The training course is backed by the cultural, social, and tourism deputy office, and it will equip deaf individuals with the necessary skills to become tour guides, providing them with valuable employment opportunities while enhancing the accessibility of the island’s tourism offerings.

Qeshm Island Leads the Way in Accessible Tourism

Qeshm Island’s commitment to accessible tourism marks a positive and progressive shift in how destinations approach inclusivity. Qeshm is setting a new standard for inclusive travel in the region by designing tours for people with disabilities and providing opportunities for disabled individuals to work as tour guides.

As more destinations around the world work to make tourism more accessible, Qeshm Island is paving the way for a future in which people of all abilities can enjoy the island’s beauty, history, and culture. Qeshm Island, with its unique combination of natural wonders, rich cultural heritage, and commitment to inclusivity, exemplifies how tourism can be both a force for social good and an economic development catalyst.

Qeshm Island is emerging as a top destination in the Persian Gulf for disabled travellers, offering a wide range of experiences that are accessible to all. As the island continues to develop its accessible tourism infrastructure, it will undoubtedly become a model for other destinations to emulate, demonstrating that tourism is about more than just exploration; it is also about providing opportunities for everyone to experience the world.