CULTURAL CENTRE CELEBRATES IRAN TOURISM WEEK, SEEKS COOPERATION WITH ZIMBABWE

 

HARARE: 2 October 2025

 

A new page in Zimbabwe – Iran tourism relations has just been opened as both countries pledged to work together in growing the tourism relations between the two countries.

Whilst noting that there exists great potential in the growth of tourism relations between Zimbabwe and Iran, both countries agreed to forge new partnerships with each other for the development of the tourism markets of both countries.

Medical tourism was identified as one of the major drivers of the tourism growth, as the rising numbers of visitors to Iran seeking the country’s specialised medical services continues to grow.

All this came during a special exhibition and presentation on Iran Tourism that was held at the Cultural Centre of the Embassy of Iran in Harare, this Thursday, the 2nd October 2025.

In his welcome remarks to the guests who included representatives from various travel agencies, representatives from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, members of the Content Creators of Zimbabwe and the Ambassador of Iran in Zimbabwe, Mr Hamid Bakhtiyar, the Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of Iran in Zimbabwe said Iran was seeking beneficial ways in which it could grow its tourism relations with Zimbabwe.

He said medical tourism, among other tourism packages, was poised to drive the tourism relations between the two countries.

Mr Bakhtiyar noted that much more needs to be done in marketing Zimbabwe as a tourist destination as Iranian tourists are visiting South Africa more that they are doing to Zimbabwe.

He noted that the documentary produced by Soraya Television of Iran that was broadcasted in Iran, created enthusiasm on Zimbabwe within the Iranian source market.

He said with more than 1000 travel agencies, Iran was poised to play its part in promoting and driving the tourism relations between the two countries.

Mr Bakhtiyar said the Cultural Centre of the Embassy of Iran was also positioned to further facilitate the growth of tourism between the two countries.

In his keynote speech, Iran’s ambassador to Zimbabwe, Dr Amir Hossein Hosseini said Iran has developed significant capacities in specialized fields such as medical tourism, which has already attracted many Zimbabwean citizens.

He said Iran is also prepared to dispatch delegations of qualified physicians, specialists, and academicians to Zimbabwe within the framework of medical and scientific exchange programs.

Dr Hosseini reaffirmed Iran’s readiness to broaden cooperation in tourism in all its dimensions and to turn this sector into a bridge of partnership, economic growth, and cultural exchange between the two nations.

The Ambassador further noted that both countries are blessed with exceptional assets to attract visitors from around the world. Iran, with over Seven millennia of history, numerous UNESCO-registered sites, vibrant cultural traditions, and diverse natural landscapes, stands as one of the world’s most distinguished tourist destinations. The hospitality of the Iranian people coupled with the affordability of the country’ services, and the professionalism of the tourism sector further enhance Iran’s appeal.

He observed that Zimbabwe and Iran share a unique platform for strengthening their partnership and promoting their cooperation in the field of tourism and tourism industry.

Mr Giyani Sibanda from Zimbabwe’s premier tourism promotion body, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, said Zimbabwe will work hard to promote cultural tourism between the two countries.

He further welcomed the impending growth in tourism relations between Zimbabwe and Iran and said his organisations will build on the good will of Iran to further grow the Iranian tourist source market.

Mr Naseri Assiabi, the Second Secretary at the embassy of Iran said Iran wants to increase tourist volumes between Zimbabwe and that Iran is working on reviving the Memorandum of Understanding between Zimbabwe and Iran.

Kuda Rashman, from the Zimbabwe Content Creators Association and a recent visitor to Iran, urged the travel agencies in Zimbabwe to facilitate the growth of medical tourism between Zimbabwe and Iran by sending Zimbabweans in need of specialized medical treatment to Iran. He said Iranian medical facilities were much cheaper than those offered by other countries in the region.

After the speeches, the guests were later treated to videos showing Iran’s top cultural and heritage sites that are top tourist attractions.