Oman today_ At the latest United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) summit, held on Friday, October 17, 2025, in Huizhou, China, three Iranian villages achieved global recognition. Shafi‘abad in Shahdad, Kerman; Sohaili in Qeshm, Hormozgan; and Kandelous in Mazandaran were officially designated as “Global Tourism Villages.” In the ceremony, Om al-Banin Pourali-Abadi received the international plaque on behalf of the people of Shafi‘abad.
Mohammad Ali Talebi, the Governor of Kerman, described this achievement in a video message as “the beginning of the world’s smile on Kerman 1405” and added that with this recognition, Kerman became the only province in the country to hold all global tourism titles, including World City, registered heritage sites, and Global Village.
Shafi‘abad, located in the heart of the Lut Desert, with its unique adobe architecture, ancient palm groves, and hospitable people, stands out as one of Iran’s exceptional tourism destinations.