Published on
September 14, 2025
The Qeshm Free Area Organization is marking the “Nowruz-e Darya” (Sea New Year) festival, a lively cultural celebration meant to showcase the island’s rich seafaring heritage and encourage eco-tourism. Starting on September 11, 2025, the festival will go through October 22 and feature a combination of cultural events, local traditions, and sustainable development projects. This festival, which has deep origins in the Persian Gulf region and seafarers in general, is a site through which island of Qeshm can promote its identity while promoting the region’s tourism in an eco-friendly manner.
A Celebration of Qeshm’s Maritime Traditions and Local Identity
Azadeh Abedinzadeh, head of the cultural heritage, tourism, and handicrafts department at the Qeshm Free Area Organization, described Nowruz-e Darya as a significant event for preserving local identity and honoring the maritime calendar traditionally used by the people living on the coasts of the Persian Gulf. This maritime calendar, which has regulated the livelihoods of the coastal inhabitants for centuries, reflects a lifestyle deeply intertwined with the nature and climate of the region.
Abedinzadeh highlighted that the festival celebrates this shared cultural heritage of seafaring communities, bringing attention to Qeshm’s important role in the cultural landscape of the Persian Gulf. The event is designed to not only highlight local traditions but also provide opportunities for regional sustainable development and eco-conscious tourism, fostering a tourism model that respects both the environment and the indigenous culture of the region.
A Festival with a Fresh Approach and Expanded Content
The 2025 edition of the Nowruz-e Darya festival has been revamped to include more diverse content and activities, engaging both locals and visitors in new ways. The festival is being organized through a collaborative effort between the local community, tourism activists, and key cultural and media figures. This synergy ensures that the event remains relevant and inclusive, offering something for everyone, from traditional performances to contemporary cultural exchanges.
Eco-Conscious Tourism and Sustainable Development
Sustainable tourism is at the core of the Nowruz-e Darya festival, with a focus on fostering tourism that benefits both the local communities and the environment. The festival’s approach aims to preserve local culture while promoting a responsible tourism model that does not harm the region’s natural resources. Abedinzadeh emphasized the importance of this approach, stating that the festival helps drive regional and global sustainable development by showcasing how tourism can thrive without sacrificing the environment or the island’s unique cultural heritage.
This focus on eco-conscious tourism is vital for regions like Qeshm Island, where natural landscapes and traditional lifestyles form the foundation of its cultural identity. The festival is a way to demonstrate how tourism can grow sustainably, benefiting the local community while promoting cultural awareness and environmental stewardship.
The Impact of the Festival on Qeshm’s Tourism Growth
The Nowruz-e Darya festival has become one of the most successful summer events in the region, attracting large numbers of tourists from across the country and even abroad. In its twentieth edition, the festival has reached new heights, with growing recognition of Qeshm Island as a top destination for cultural and eco-tourism. The festival is a key part of Qeshm’s tourism strategy, contributing to the development of the island as a global tourism hub that celebrates its rich heritage while embracing modern tourism practices.
In the years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival had already seen significant growth, and the return of the event in 2025 marks a recovery of tourism activities in the region. The festival continues to attract international attention, positioning Qeshm Island as a major tourism destination in the Persian Gulf region.
A Showcase of Iran’s Maritime Heritage and Eco-Tourism Potential
Qeshm Island’s tourism potential is rooted in its unique natural attractions and maritime heritage. Known for its stunning landscapes, including beaches, marine life, and historical sites, Qeshm offers a wealth of opportunities for eco-tourism and nature-based activities. As one of the largest islands in the Persian Gulf, Qeshm has a wealth of diverse ecosystems and protected areas that attract nature lovers, environmentalists, and travelers seeking an authentic experience in Iran.
The Nowruz-e Darya festival serves as a platform to showcase these natural attractions and engage visitors with the island’s environmental efforts. By promoting eco-tourism and sustainable travel practices, Qeshm is positioning itself as a model for sustainable tourism in the region, attracting travelers who are increasingly interested in responsible tourism and environmental conservation.
The Future of Tourism in Qeshm: Building on a Legacy of Sustainability
As the tourism sector in Qeshm continues to evolve, the Nowruz-e Darya festival is expected to play a key role in shaping the future of tourism on the island. By continuing to promote sustainable development and eco-conscious tourism, Qeshm will attract more international visitors who are eager to experience the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage in a responsible and sustainable way.
The festival’s focus on community involvement, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship will ensure that Qeshm Island remains an important destination for travelers seeking meaningful and responsible tourism experiences. As Qeshm continues to develop as a sustainable tourism hub, it will help set the standard for other regions in the Persian Gulf and Middle East to follow, contributing to the global eco-tourism movement.
Nowruz-e Darya Festival as a Catalyst for Qeshm’s Tourism Growth
The Nowruz-e Darya festival is a great example of the potential for cultural tourism and eco-tourism to flourish in Qeshm Island. As a festival focused on sustainability, community engagement, and cultural heritage, it continues to make significant contributions to the region’s tourism development while maintaining its natural surroundings. By highlighting its own distinct maritime culture and eco-initiatives, Qeshm is positioning itself as a leading destination for travelers interested in experiencing authenticity and sustainable travel.
