17 October 2023

The Cultural Centre of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran participated at the 2023 edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani that opened at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair exhibitions centre on Thursday, 12 October and closed on Saturday, 14 October 2023. The Islamic Republic of Iran, as represented by the Cultural Centre, was among the regional and international exhibitors gracing the expo.

The Cultural Centre of the Embassy of Iran, showcased the beauty of Iran’s tourist attractions as well as the early foundations of the country’s civilization as epitomized by the various photographs on display, the wide array of literature on Iran meant for the discerning visitor to the Islamic Republic of Iran as well as the promotional videos that were being screened.The whole Iranian stand was curated in a way meant to portray Iran’s magnificent journey from its ancient days as Persia up to the modern day Islamic Republic of Iran.

 Visitors to the stand could only marvel at the unprecedented rise of Iran as a nation from its early years up to today, while others expressed a sense of appreciation at the growth trajectory Iran is taking. This year’s Expo celebrated the resilience, dynamism and untapped potential of Zimbabwe as a premier tourism destination. The annual event brought together key players and stakeholders in the global tourism industry thereby providing a platform for networking, collaboration and showcasing Zimbabwe’s rich tourism potential.

There were 356 exhibitors this year, an increase from last year’s 250. Most of the exhibitors were small scale players in Zimbabwe’s tourism industry, while notable exhibitors in the form of Zimbabwe government agencies like the National Parks of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, the Ministry of Tourism and others were represented. Zimbabwe’s top universities were also in attendance as well as Zimbabwe’s ruling political party, ZANU PF. Youth and Women through the Youth in Tourism and Women in Tourism were also represented respectively. There was a strong contingent of local, regional and international exhibitors at the show, where Zimbabwe was marketing its various tourist attractions.

Among some of the regional and international exhibitors were also Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, Malawi, Zambia and Botswana, making the fair an important one on the global tourism calendar. The Expo was officially inaugurated by Zimbabwe’s Minister of Tourism, Ms Barbra Rwodzi.

Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo is an annual tourism trade fair organised by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority.

It showcases a wide variety of Africa`s best tourism products and attracts international visitors and media from across the world.