Story by Tichaona Kurewa
ZIMBABWE’S tourism industry continues its upward trajectory, with the latest milestone being the commissioning of a state-of-the-art helipad worth over US$2 million in Victoria Falls on Wednesday.
The new facility, built by Zambezi Helicopters, reflects growing investor confidence in Zimbabwe’s tourism and aviation sectors. It also underscores the Government’s commitment to fostering partnerships with the private sector in line with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s “Zimbabwe is open for business” mantra.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Honourable Barbra Rwodzi, said the development demonstrates renewed optimism in Zimbabwe’s tourism landscape.
“This new infrastructure speaks volumes about the confidence investors have in Zimbabwe, particularly in Victoria Falls. Our tourism sector continues to grow, creating employment and contributing significantly to the GDP. From just five employees, Zambezi Helicopters now employs 60 people. Zimbabwe is open for business, come, invest, and grow with us,” Honourable Rwodzi said.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Honourable Felix Mhona weighed in, “We are witnessing the symbiotic relationship between government and private sector, a key pillar of President Mnangagwa’s vision that ‘Zimbabwe is open for business.’ This world-class facility gives confidence to investors and shows that we, as Zimbabweans, can do it.”
The latest investment signals both expansion and innovation in the aviation tourism industry while creating employment opportunities for the local community, as explained by Shearwater CEO, Mr Allan Roberts.
“The business is growing, tourism is growing, there’s expansion in the industry. We also wanted to set a new standard and try and take tourism facilities and aviation facilities to a new standard. So the facility you see here is world-class, it’s air-conditioned, it has a premier class lounge, it can serve over a 100 000 people a year. So we really wanted to build something that would take us into the next chapter of our growth and add value to the tourism industry, and try and establish Zimbabwe as a world-class tourism destination.”
Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Richard Moyo also said, “This investment speaks directly to the vision of Devolution in Action taking development to the provinces, empowering communities, and unlocking local opportunities. It will create jobs, enhance tourism access, improve emergency response capabilities, and position Matabeleland North as a hub of aviation and adventure.”
Hwange Residents Association chairperson, Mr Herbert Ncube, spoke on employment creation made possible through the project.
“This project not only boosts tourism but also creates jobs for young people. Employment like this helps reduce drug abuse and gives our youth real opportunities,” he said.
Tourism remains one of the key drivers of Zimbabwe’s economy, propelling both employment creation and infrastructural development.
