Authorities in Iran’s Kerman province are optimistic that Maymand Village will experience a significant boost in tourism should it secure recognition as an exceptional rural tourism destination from the United Nations. The village, already registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2015, is currently under evaluation by UN representatives seeking to designate it as one of the world’s premier rural tourism villages.
Saeid Shahrokhi, the province’s tourism chief, highlighted the potential impact of the designation on Monday during a meeting with the UN evaluators assessing Maymand’s candidacy. He emphasized that the award would catalyze the expansion and improvement of tourism infrastructure and services within the area. Local cultural heritage officials are reportedly working on completing necessary projects to address current shortcomings, aiming to meet the criteria required for the international recognition.
Maymand’s appeal stems from a combination of its unique cultural, architectural, and environmental attributes. The village is renowned for its troglodyte dwellings—ancient cave homes carved into the mountainside, some stacked several stories high and interconnected by corridors and pillars. These structures, dating back approximately 10,000 years, illustrate a distinctive adaptation to the region’s challenging climate, which features hot summers, cold winters, and arid terrain nestled between desert and mountainous landscapes.
The ongoing lifestyle of Maymand’s inhabitants reflects a close relationship with their surroundings. The community is primarily composed of semi-nomadic shepherds who move livestock seasonally across mountain pastures, sustaining traditional agricultural and animal husbandry practices. The area also boasts notable botanical diversity, including a rich variety of medicinal herbs and edible plants that enhance its attractiveness to visitors interested in natural heritage.
Shahrokhi noted the village’s historical and cultural significance, underscoring its enduring social customs, religious practices, and preservation of an ancient local dialect influenced by Sassanid and Pahlavi languages. The region supports diverse wildlife species, from predators such as leopards and wolves to numerous birds of prey, contributing further to its ecological value.
In light of Maymand’s harsh environmental conditions—including scarcity of water and extreme temperatures—residents have long maintained sophisticated water conservation methods and sustainable farming techniques. These practices, embedded in the community’s heritage, represent an integral part of its identity and appeal.
If formally recognized by the United Nations for outstanding rural tourism, Maymand could see enhanced international visibility and increased visitor numbers, potentially driving economic growth and cultural preservation efforts in the province. Local officials remain committed to collaborative efforts aimed at securing the designation and fostering sustainable development tailored to the village’s unique character.