Villages' dossiers are evaluated based on 9 indicators by the United Nations World Tourism Organization / Dossiers of 8 villages from Iran sent for globalization

Ali-Asghar Shalbahian told a Mirath-e-Arya correspondent, "This plan has been presented with the aim of preserving the existence and nature of the village, safeguarding its diversity and cultural values, and improving educational systems in villages to increase villagers' awareness." The Deputy Minister of Tourism, referring to the required conditions for applicant villages, added, "A population of less than 15,000 people, being located in an area with special natural features, engaging in traditional activities such as farming, forestry, animal husbandry, and fishing for livelihood, the entire community possessing shared culture, lifestyle, and values, and tourism acting as a driving force in the villages in question are among the required conditions for applicant villages." He stated that villages' dossiers are evaluated based on 9 related indicators and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), continuing, "Cultural and natural resources, promotion and preservation of cultural resources, economic sustainability, social sustainability, environmental sustainability, tourism potential and development, value chain integration, tourism governance and prioritization, infrastructure and communication, and health, safety, and security are among the indicators related to sustainable development." Shalbahian reminded that in addition to the above evaluation areas, the programs must include a justification form where they must present certain items. For example, applicant villages must explain what motivation and initiative they have for becoming a global village. The Deputy Minister of Tourism further stated, "The benefits of selecting a village include receiving a diploma or plaque signed by the Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNTOURISM). Also, villages that receive awards are recognized internationally for their visibility and credibility as outstanding examples of a developed rural tourism destination." Shalbahian recalled that given the start of this project in 2021, the program for upgrading villages based on the indicators announced by the United Nations World Tourism Organization was put on the agenda in Iran. Following evaluations, a list of 130 villages that had the highest compliance with the indicators was identified. After the issue was discussed in the National Rural Tourism Council meetings and in consultation with executive bodies and support institutions in the rural sector, dossiers of a number of villages are sent annually. Fortunately, in October 2023, the village of Kandovan was globally registered as the first village in Iran and was included in the network of global villages." The Deputy Minister of Tourism continued, "In 2024, our country has the capacity to send 8 dossiers. After evaluations, several villages will be introduced as Iran's candidates to the United Nations World Tourism Organization. These include the village of Abyaneh (Isfahan Province), the village of Kandelous (Mazandaran Province), the village of Palangan (Kurdistan Province), the village of Bisheh (Lorestan Province), the village of Mimand (Kerman Province), the village of Fahraj (Yazd Province), the village of Esfehak (South Khorasan Province), and the village of Qaleh Bala (Semnan Province). Additionally, the villages of Suhaili (Hormozgan Province – Qeshm) and Qasemabad (Gilan Province) were also placed on the support list." He added, "Currently, evaluations and field visits have been conducted for the mentioned villages. Strategic committees for rural tourism development have been formed in the provinces, and the dossiers are being compiled in the Deputy Ministry of Tourism in cooperation with the General Departments of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts of the provinces. They will be sent to the United Nations World Tourism Organization before the submission deadline (May 8th)."