By Elmond Bandauko (“Our impressions of a city are formed mainly by the quality of public spaces. If they are not pleasant and preserved, or if they transmit a sense of insecurity, we will seldom return. Good planning of these spaces should be the rule, not the exception”) Most urban residents in cities of the developing world…
By Hildah Sipono International buyers from key source markets have said Zimbabwe is sellable and buyable. The buyers arrived in Harare yesterday on a familiarisation tour ahead of the 11th edition of Sanganai/Hlanganani World Travel Expo scheduled for Bulawayo on September 6-8 at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair grounds. “People do not want to see…
Tourism transcends humankind and political affiliation across the borders and it unites nations and different cultures so it is the best conduit for peace, church leaders have said. “We thank Dr Karikoga Kaseke and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) for spearheading the Zimbabwe Peace Festival 2018. At the festival Christians united for the same purpose,…
By Byron Mutingwende Learning involves discovering the world around us and one such way is through the tourism programme that the Good Care Pre-school is offering to its pupils. Recently, children were taken on a trip to Mbizi Game Park where they learnt more about Zimbabwe’s rich flora and fauna. On the 23rd…
Gideon Madzikatidze recently in Mhondoro Indigenous churches should constantly market their doctrines and cultural values in order to sell their unique features to the external world to augment the country’s development through promotion of religious tourist attraction centres, Zanu PF legislator for Mhondoro Mubaira constituency, Freddy Kapuya has said. While addressing thousands who witnessed an…
Promoting innovation, job creation and sustainability are key considerations for the 15th World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Awards. UNWTO invites submissions until 31 October 2018. The UNWTO Awards recognise the contribution of public and private institutions and NGOs to development of a more competitive, responsible and sustainable tourism sector that works towards achieving the 2030 Sustainable…
Vynn Capital, a South-East Asia-based early-stage venture capital firm, and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) today jointly announced a strategic partnership to promote South-East Asia’s tourism sector by facilitating entrepreneurship and innovation. Through this strategic partnership, Vynn Capital and UNWTO will collaborate to create a framework and policies to support technology startups that are addressing…
By Chipa Gonditii & Johnson Chihambakwe About 400km northeast of Bulawayo lies Binga, a small town which is virtually in the middle of nowhere on map but definitely vibrant and visible on sight with its flagship convenience destination: Binga shopping centre informally known as “Pa centre” which has cemented its status as the entertainment hub…
In his book, TIMELESS, Patrick Bentley presents readers with seventy stunning black and white wildlife photographs from the Luangwa Valley in Zambia, taken from the last decade. “TIMELESS is a book that fills me with hope. Such an important emotion in the preservation of wild spaces, it is hope that drives us on. Hope that despite the…
By Michael Mashiri Many people are called Zimbabweans and are proud of being called Zimbwabwean citizens, however the problem comes when a Zimbabwean does not know where the word Zimbabwe emanated from and what it means. Zimbabwe is a word which was derived from the Shona ‘Dzimba Dzemabwe’directly translating to ‘Houses of Stone ‘as exemplified…
Promoting a greater engagement of the tourism sector with sustainable development is the main objective of the Tourism for SDGs Platform. The online tool is designed to advance the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals through tourism, and was developed by the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) with the support of Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic…
From infrastructure and communication to food production and transport, tourism and construction play key roles in a circular economy framework that supports sustainable development. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), together with the Sustainable Buildings and Construction Programme of the One Planet Network, addressed this challenge during the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development…
The Güzelyurt and Lefke Tour Imagine that the branches of the citrus trees are having a love affair with the waves of Mediterranean…. Imagine that every corner of the place you can smell the history blended with the traditional taste… Imagine that you are in a place that the name of the island…
The importance of digital technologies in tourism, providing opportunities for innovation and preparing the sector for the future of work, is at the centre of World Tourism Day 2018, to be celebrated in Budapest, Hungary (27 September 2018). World Tourism Day, celebrated every 27 September around the world, is a unique opportunity to raise awareness…
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has praised the Zimbabwe Championships of Performing Arts (ZiCOPA) for raising the country’s flag high at a global stage. ZICOPA had a team of 10 contestants who were representing Zimbabwe at the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) dubbed the Olympics of the Arts from 3rd to 15th of…
By Byron Mutingwende The Africa Youth in Tourism Conference to be held from the 19th to the 24th of September 2018 in Bulawayo seeks to foster tourism development and innovation on the African continent. The Africa Youth in Tourism Conference is the brainchild of the Zimbabwe Youth in Tourism and this will be…
The Zimbabwe Championship of Performing Arts (ZICOPA) is giving many talented young children with limited platforms to flourish. Nyarayi Jessica Tandy, the Director of ZICOPA, in her remarks before the Zimbabwean team’s departure to the United States for the World Championships of Performing Arts competition, said she was hopeful that the young people would…
Wilderness Safaris’ Little Makalolo – one of the original bush camps situated in an exclusive private concession in the heart of Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe – has reopened after the rebuild of its main guest area and an extensive refurbishment of its six traditional-style safari tents. The new look of Little Makalolo was achieved…
By Byron Mutingwende Under the stewardship of the results oriented Chief Executive of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), Dr Karikoga Kaseke, the institution is enjoying a positive turn in fortunes spearheaded by the aggressive marketing prowess of its newly appointed Head of Corporate Affairs, Godfrey ‘Chief’ Koti. Koti is a young, vibrant and hardworking broadcaster, digital…
By Byron Mutingwende Women in tourism are calling for a major stake since they have for a long time been occupying a back seat in driving and developing the sector. This emerged at the Women in Tourism all Stakeholders’ Workshop held on 22 June 2018 at Zimbali Gardens, Harare. The workshop was attended…
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) in conjunction with it’s parent ministry, the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry have stepped up marketing efforts in the UK by participating at the Experience Africa Travel Trade Show in London, the UK. The show runs from 25-27 June 2018 and is a business to business event matching suppliers…
The Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Zurab Pololikashvili, called for the tourism sector to take more action to combat climate change and biodiversity loss during the 30th joint meeting of its Commissions for South Asia and Asia-Pacific in Fiji (18-20 June 2018). Adding his voice to that of the host country, Mr. Pololikashvili…
In a move to enhance destination awareness and foster market visibility, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has appointed VFS Global to promote Zimbabwe as a preferred tourism destination in both India and GCC region, through a collaborative relationship. The agreement was officially signed by Dr. Karikoga Kaseke, Chief Executive of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority on…
In line with its vision of advancing sustainability through tourism, the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) released its flagship publication ‘Tourism for Development’ in Brussels on 6 June during the European Development Days (EDD), and called for greater awareness of sustainability in tourism policies and business practices as well as in tourist behaviour. ‘Tourism for Development’…
“Tourism Statistics: A Catalyst for Development”, was the theme of this year’s seminar in the context of the 61st Meeting of the UNWTO Commission for Africa (Abuja, Nigeria, 4-6 June). The meeting included a ministerial dialogue on the importance of tourism statistics under the topic “Better measure, better manage”. Commission for Africa attracted 18 tourism ministers…
Around 600 participants from 52 countries gathered at the 4th UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism (Bangkok, Thailand, 30 May to 1 June 2018). Organised by the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the Government of Thailand, in collaboration with the Basque Culinary Centre, participants addressed topics ranging from the role of technology in achieving sustainable development,…
The significance of tourism to Africa and its economy was once again cemented at this year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba with delegates from 80 countries in attendance. According to Africa’s Travel Indaba organisers, overall registrations reached the 7 000 mark, resulting in an increase of 4% from last year’s figures. “Indaba’s goal is to create a…
Amadeus IT Group today announced a historic initiative that will see the creation of a new model for public-private collaboration in the tourism industry in South Africa. This partnership will initially develop a new, National Tourism Visitor Information System (NTVIS). In addition, a new Travel and Tourism Training Academy will be established to accelerate skills…
By Byron Mutingwende Zimbabwe is “a World of Wonders” that is ready for tourism investors, Priscah Mupfumira, the minister of tourism and hospitality industry has said. She reassured the audience at a cocktail reception held for tour operators at the Hilton Hotel in Durban on 9 May 2018 that the drive was in…
This year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba BONDay sessions highlighted that while Africa needs to tell stories about itself, these must not be the stereotypical view of the continent. Instead these stories need to be unique, to be heard above all the noise, both in content and how they are told. Locals need to travel…
By Byron Mutingwende Zimbabwe and South Africa are working on a common ground to improve tourism, which is a major contributor to the economic growth of both countries. Priscah Mupfumira, Zimbabwe’s minister of tourism and hospitality, addressing journalists at the International Convention Centre in Durban soon after her courtesy call on her South…
Africa’s largest tourism show the Travel Indaba will run from 8-10 May this year. This will see the continent showcasing its’ wide variety of top drawer tourism products and attract international buyers and media from across the globe. This convergence also provides a business and policy platform forum for African Tourism Ministers each year. Zimbabwe…
By Byron Mutingwende Sport tourism is one of the best ways to market a country and the ministry of tourism and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) are collaborating with World Class Legends to use football to spearhead that initiative. Introducing the World Class Legends to President Emmerson Mnangwagwa during the ruling party Zanu…
The new report ‘European Union Tourism Trends’, prepared by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in cooperation with the European Commission, underscores tourism’s major social and economic benefits for 28 countries comprising the European Union (EU). EU destinations welcomed 538 million international overnight visitors in 2017, 40% of the world total. EU accommodation establishments provide over…
The UAE Government has pledged full support to the Government of Zimbabwe in its journey to economic recovery. This was said by Senior Vice President for Commercial Services in the Dubai Chambers , Mr Atiq Juma Faraj Nasib during a courtesy meeting by Minister Mupfumira together with Zimbabwe Ambassador to Kuwait,Mr Marongwe. The Minister who…
Priscah Mupfumira, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry had a networking meeting with a group of tourism business people comprising tour wholesalers, tour operators and travel agents as well as Zimbabweans who are working in Dubai. The meeting was graced by the tourism business people from Dubai, the rest of the Gulf Cooperation Council…
Government’s enshrinement programme is set to take heritage tourism to greater heights following the allocation of resources from treasury. This was announced by the minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honourable Prisca Mupfumira in a telephone interview from Dubai, where she is attending the Arabian Travel Market. Said Minister Mupfumira: “We received news of the…
Preliminary data showed that virtually all source markets reported higher tourism spending in 2017, reflecting continued strong demand for international tourism across all world regions. Both emerging and advanced economies fuelled growth, led by the United States which spent US$ 12 billion more on travel abroad. China spent US$ 8 billion more, consolidating its leadership…
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) joined the Ministers of Tourism of the G20 economies meeting in Buenos Aires in calling upon the G20 leaders to consider including tourism in their Agenda for its capacity to create more and better jobs. In his meeting with the President of Argentina, Mauricio Macri, and current G20 Chair, UNWTO…
By Byron Mutingwende The minister of tourism and hospitality industry, Priscah Mupfumira has announced a new paradigm to effect measures that foster tourism revival. In her speech during a media cocktail at Cresta Lodge in Harare on 19 April 2018, Mupfumira said her ministry and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority was embarking on a…
By Byron Mutingwende The recent trip to China by the Zimbabwean delegation led by President Mnangagwa was to project the country as a suitable business destination, stakeholders have said. Speaking at the joint press conference by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), ZimTrade and the Zimbabwe Investment Authority (ZIA) in Harare on 17 April…
An intense week of exchange of experiences and capacity building linked to wildlife and biodiversity protection has taken place in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A major result of the regional initiative that lies under the framework of the UNWTO/Chimelong Initiative on Wildlife Conservation and Sustainable Tourism has been the Declaration of the Kinshasa…
This year’s edition of the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) is set to explode to life from the 1st to the 6th of May 2018 with 250 visiting artists from 33 countries expected to jet in to the country to participate in what will surely be an unforgettable lifetime experience. Officially opening this…
By Joyce Mukucha and Patricia Mashiri The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) is in the process of shutting down all unlicensed and lapsed tourist facilities following one of the 100 day-initiatives by the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Prisca Mupfumira. The ultimatum was given by the then minister on the tourism stakeholder meeting on the…
By Patricia Mashiri Dunhuramambo has rebranded to Zambezi Cruise and Safaris to improve their market share and penetrate new markets through improvement of standards. Since the rebranding, the organisation has witnessed a lot of tourists mainly the locals. They receive approximately 80% of local tourists, be it leisure or business. Victor Mubiana, the Sales and…
