The Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of Iran in Zimbabwe and the Deputy Head of Zimbabwe’s tourism promotion agency, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) have called for concerted efforts to be made by both Zimbabwe and Iran in marketing themselves as favourable tourist destinations.

Mr Hamid Bakhtiyar, the Cultural Counsellor and Mr Givemore Chidzidzi of the Z. T.A. both concurred that this initiative will witness a growth in the number of Iranians travelling to Zimbabwe as well as Zimbabweans travelling to Iran mostly as medical tourists or through various exchange programmes.

They both agreed that the initial starting point would be for Zimbabwe to engage with the numerous travel and tourism agencies in Iran and other tourism stakeholders. 

Mr Bakhtiyar was at the Zimbabwe tourism Authority today the 13th December 2022 specifically to invite Zimbabwe tourism operators to participate at the upcoming 16th International Exhibition of Iran Tourism and Related Industries from the 7th February -10th February 2023 at the Tehran International Exhibition Center

The Zimbabwe tourism Authority is likely to participate at this international exhibition.

It is from participating at this exhibition and other related exhibitions in Iran that Zimbabwe will market itself to Iran as a tourism destination of choice well as getting exposed to the Iranian source market.

In the meeting that was held at the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Head Office in Central Harare, Mr Bakhtiyar told his host that Zimbabwe stands to benefit more from Iran through medical tourism visits. The Iranian medical facility is much cheaper than most Asian countries.

He encouraged the Z.T.A. to engage with the Iran tour operators so as to enable them to have a clear understanding of the Iranian market as well as its tourism international taste. This initiative will allow Iranians to have an appreciation of Zimbabwe as a favourable tourism destination.

Mr Bakhtiyar cited an example of Iranians who visit Johannesburg in South Africa and yet they are not aware of the mighty Victoria Falls on the border with Zambia.

Mr Chidzidzi, who once visited Iran in 2012, said that Iran offers excellent tourism facilities that are historical in nature. He however noted that even though the travel hiccups between Zimbabwe and Iran have somehow improved, there is a need for Iran medical investors to invest in Zimbabwe so as to enable many Zimbabweans to access the Iranian world class facilities.

He said his organization will facilitate such investments as they will help in scaling up medical tourism in Zimbabwe as well.

Mr Chidzidzi also noted that Zimbabwe hotels and other leisure facilities should source their hotel needs from Iran as they are affordable and of high quality

He also said that due to the historical and religious significance of Iran, there is a need to promote religious tourism through visiting the shrines of Biblical prophets buried there.

Mr Chidzidzi called on Iran to do more in showcasing the Iranian culture through various festivals in which the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority can be a partner.

He observed  that Iran and Zimbabwe enjoy very cordial relations that warrant the expansion of cultural relations between the two friendly countries.