Story by Tichaona Kurewa
THE strategic deployment of tourism attachés to key international markets continues to yield positive results, with a group of South African tourism agents in Victoria Falls for a familiarisation tour.
Last year, the government deployed tourism attachés to key markets such as India and South Africa to help market the country to the world.
Through the efforts of these dedicated professionals, a group of South African tourism agents arrived in Victoria Falls this Thursday for an immersive three-night familiarisation tour, aimed at showcasing Zimbabwe’s premier tourism destination.
The local tourism players are optimistic about the positive impact that comes with such an initiative.
“Victoria Falls has been one of the Seven Wonders of the World. South African passport holders do not need visas so it makes it a quick stop as opposed to flying to Cape Town which is a two-hour flight from Johannesburg. It is a good opportunity, there are some good value-for-money properties and excursions to have at Vic Falls,” the team leader, Ms Megan Wilson said.
“The South African market is very important from our side as players who are in Victoria Falls and having attaches there sell Victoria Falls. Clients can opt to come and see Victoria Falls and they will be in a position to see what we offer here while seeing one of the seven natural wonders of the world,” Mavigo Tours and Transfers’ Marketing Executive, Mr Trymore Muyambo said.
The initiative is a strategic collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, the Airports Company of Zimbabwe, Zimparks, and other key players in the tourism private sector.
In 2023, Zimbabwe received over 300 000 international tourists, with Pretoria contributing 20% of them.
South Africa remains Zimbabwe’s largest tourist source market, making this familiarisation trip a crucial initiative in strengthening ties and increasing visitor numbers.
The majestic Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Matobo Hills, the pristine Hwange National Park and the Great Zimbabwe Monuments, among others, are some of the irresistible tourist attractions in the country.
