Visit by the Secretary-General of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO to the 18th International Tourism Exhibition

The 18th Tehran International Tourism and Related Industries Exhibition, organized by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, is being held from 11 to 14 February 2025. The exhibition provides an opportunity to showcase Iran’s tourism potential, with the participation of various ethnic groups, including Bakhtiari, Kurdish, Turk, Lak, Turkmen, Arab, Qashqai, Baloch, Sistani, Mazani and Gilak communities, presenting their cultural and tourism attractions.

Referring to the importance of documenting Iran’s cultural and culinary diversity, Dr Fartousi stated: “UNESCO’s presence at this event demonstrates the cultural richness of Kermanshah. To date, more than 200 traditional Kermanshahi dishes with historical backgrounds have been documented.” He added: “To develop tourism, we must showcase cultural diversity and local attractions and use them to enhance Iran’s position at the international level.”

Fartousi emphasized: “Following the decision of the Asian Mayors Forum, Kermanshah, due to its historical antiquity, civilizational heritage, and cultural and ethnic diversity, has been selected as the ‘Cultural Capital of Asian Cities,’ alongside Antalya, the Environmental Capital, and Isfahan, the Tourism Capital.”

Relaunch of the Creative Gastronomy World City Documentary and Music Video

During the exhibition, a documentary on gastronomy and a music video featuring Kermanshah, the Creative City of Gastronomy, were also unveiled. Dr Fartousi stated in this regard: “UNESCO attaches importance to global networks. One of UNESCO’s most important networks is the Creative Cities Network, in which Kermanshah and Rasht participate as Creative Cities of Gastronomy in Iran. In addition to its national standing, Kermanshah has played an important role at the regional and international levels and is now recognized among Asian cities as the Cultural Capital of Asian Cities.”

Tangible and Intangible Heritage: A UNESCO Priority

The Secretary-General of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO emphasized the preservation of Iran’s tangible and intangible heritage and stated: “The culinary arts are among Iran’s most valuable forms of cultural heritage, passed down from generation to generation and playing an important role in the cultures of Iran’s various ethnic communities. UNESCO makes no distinction between tangible and intangible heritage and considers both among its priorities.”

Dr Fartousi also visited the pavilions of other provinces and emphasized the importance of registering shared heritage between Iran and other countries. He identified the preservation of local cultures, languages and dialects as among the values promoted by the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO and stated: “The land of Iran, like a mother, embraces all forms of cultural, linguistic, ethnic and religious diversity, and this diversity is our strength in the pursuit of peace as well as on the global stage.”

Cultural Diplomacy and International Cooperation

On the sidelines of the visit, the Secretary-General of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO referred to the role of the National Commission in international cooperation and said: “In its recent negotiations with Tajikistan, the Islamic Republic of Iran emphasized the Charter of Human Rights and UNESCO’s role in preserving indigenous cultures.”

The 18th Tehran International Tourism Exhibition is still underway and will continue to welcome visitors, tourism professionals, and domestic and international officials until 14 February.