Tanzania and Iran are seeking to deepen cooperation in cultural heritage preservation, tourism development and academic training, following high-level discussions held in Dar es Salaam.
The Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ambassador Dr. Pindi Chana, on Tuesday met with a delegation from the Iranian Embassy in Tanzania, led by Dr. Mohsen Maarefi, Director of the Iranian Cultural Centre, to explore strategic areas of collaboration between the two countries.
Discussions focused on joint efforts in archaeological research, conservation technology, and the organization of a cross-cultural exhibition showcasing Iranian history and its connection to Tanzania.
The move aims to foster cultural understanding and enhance bilateral relations through shared historical narratives.
“The two countries share historical and cultural linkages that can be harnessed to boost our tourism and heritage sectors,” said Dr. Chana after the meeting.
In the area of tourism, the two sides explored ways to tap into the growing Iranian outbound travel market by promoting Halal Tourism, a concept aligned with Islamic travel preferences.
As part of this initiative, Tanzania will explore training programmes in Iranian culinary traditions, targeting local chefs and hospitality professionals to better accommodate Iranian tourists.
Minister Chana said Tanzania is strategically positioned to attract more visitors from Iran, particularly by promoting historical sites with shared cultural heritage such as Kilwa, Kunduchi and Zanzibar.
“This collaboration can significantly support our efforts to diversify tourist source markets while enriching the visitor experience with culturally relevant offerings,” she noted.
The meeting also emphasized academic exchange, with both countries expressing interest in launching a faculty exchange programme through Tanzania’s National College of Tourism.
The initiative would involve professors from both nations sharing knowledge and expertise in tourism and heritage management.
Dr. Maarefi described the talks as a “gateway to sustainable cooperation” that will not only strengthen people-to-people ties but also promote professional growth and cultural diplomacy.
The partnership is expected to pave the way for broader engagements between the two nations, building on existing cultural links while opening up new opportunities in research, tourism, and education.