Advancing tourism in Kadoma: MCE Lodge charms the market

By Lovemore Chazingwa From the day it started operating, MCE Lodge has brought remarkable comfort to the market through services rollout within the serene surroundings of Kadoma. Arguably, the lodge is on a roller coaster in the hospitality industry with its customized services that match any top-of-the-range utility. It is located in the plush Mornington…

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ZTA engages SAZ for ISO certification

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority has engaged the Standards Association of Zimbabwe to seek ISO Certification 9001/2015 quality management system. ISO certification of the National Tourism Authority dovetails with the National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy and is critical in the implementation of NDS1 as the nation focuses on Vision 2030. ZTA Acting Chief Executive, Givemore…

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Global tourism plastic initiative releases first progress report, welcomes more signatories

The Global Tourism Plastics Initiative has welcomed a further 21 signatories, taking the total number past 110. The new signatories have been announced alongside the launch of a first annual report, which makes clear the significant progress made in tackling plastics pollution in tourism over the past year. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19…

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ZTA & Cashel Valley launch ‘Win A Trip to Nyanga’ promo

Zimbabwe’s leading canned foods and jam manufacturer, Cashel Valley, has gone in partnership with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) to bring Christmas cheer to consumers of their wide range of products. Cashel Valley is known for its wide range of ready-to-eat baked beans, fruits, and vegetables and is now a fully-fledged business division of Cairns…

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New COVID-19 surges keep travel restrictions in place

One out of five destinations continues to have their borders completely closed as new surges of COVID-19 impact the restart of international tourism. The latest research shows that still, 98% of all destinations have some kind of travel restrictions in place. According to the UNWTO Travel Restrictions Report, 46 destinations (21% of all destinations worldwide) currently…

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AAG Goes Green with Increased Calls to Build a Climate Resilient Zimbabwe

By Joyce Mukucha Striving to build a green economy as well as reducing the vulnerability of different communities from the devastating effects of climate change, the Affirmative Action Group (AAG) Zimbabwe has partnered with AAG diaspora in launching a “Go Green” pledge, a campaign aimed at advocating for reduction of negative impact to the environment…

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The Wallow Lodge Victoria Falls: A dream place for the tourist

“Majestic, refreshing, epic, breathtaking, serene, soothing,” were the remarks by a group of tourists who spent time at the Wallow Lodge in Victoria Falls last week. Situated overlooking the Masuwe River, The Wallow offers an intimate safari getaway in the heart of a private concession within Victoria Falls National Park. “As a travel journalist, I…

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Chef Lewis Mushonga releases cookbook “Bika”

One of Zimbabwe’s finest chefs, Lewis Mushonga is set to release a book about cooking entitled Bika, published by iPublish House with the foreword written by Lucy Ruth, a Zimbabwean-based Canadian award-winning author, and Guinness World Record holder. The waiting is finally over! 26 November 2021 is the day of launching and releasing this much-awaited…

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House of Zulu and Nguni Lodge offer tourists in Victoria Falls a memorable experience

With Zimbabwe’s major tourism hub, Victoria Falls becoming an awakening giant as the resort city reached herd immunity in as far as COVID-19 is concerned, two small-to-medium enterprises (SME) sector players – House of Zulu and Nguni Lodge offer a memorable experience to tourists. To a tourist who wants a serene place to relax after…

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World Travel Awards Names Fastjet Best Low-cost Carrier for Africa for the sixth year running

fastjet has today been awarded by the World Travel Awards as “Africa’s Leading Low-Cost Airline 2021” for the sixth consecutive year. The results follow a year-long search for the world’s top travel, tourism and hospitality brands. Votes were cast by travel industry professionals and the public, with the nominee gaining the most votes in each…

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Victoria Falls SMEs honoured for major role in tourism ecosystem

The Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry and sector players honoured small enterprises in Victoria Falls for playing a key role to the tourism ecosystem, for their job-creating power, entrepreneurialism and driving sustainable development. In that regard, the tourism industry and government came together yesterday to celebrate 20 of the most promising small…

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Private Guide Lewis Mangaba makes travellers’ stay in Victoria Falls memorable

Lewis Mangaba, a private tour guide based in Victoria Falls offers a superb and memorable experience to visitors in the resort town including media practitioners from the region who are in the majestic town on a trip sponsored by Boundless Southern Africa in support of the #20For20 SME Initiative under the Zimbabwe Destination Development Program…

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Award-winning Dzimbahwe Guest Lodge offers top-drawer tourism products, services

Award-winning Dzimbahwe Guest Lodge located in Zimbabwe’s premier tourist destination, the Victoria Falls, is an oasis of hospitality accommodation that suits every traveller’s dream holiday. The Victoria Falls is set for a big change. It was recently awarded city status, is earmarked for a special economic zone, and fast becoming a regional air transport hub…

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Vaccines and reopen borders driving tourism’s recovery

International tourism enjoyed signs of rebound in June and July 2021 as some destinations eased travel restrictions and the global vaccination rollout advanced in many parts of the world. According to the latest edition of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, an estimated 54 million tourists crossed international borders in July 2021, down 67% from the…

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Local news websites dedicated to covering tourism industry on the rise

In tourism, the need to tell our own story to showcase natural or human endowments to domestic and international tourists is pertinent and the current influx of news websites dedicated to cover this subject is most welcome. Recently, Travnesu (pronounced: Travel Nesu) said it will be bringing a comprehensive approach to Tourism reporting in Zimbabwe…

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Zimbabwe Celebrates World Tourism Day, Nations Bemoan COVID-19 Devastating Impacts on the Sector

Zimbabwe joined the rest of the world yesterday in celebrating World Tourism Day which was running under the theme ‘Tourism for Inclusive Growth’, a theme that focuses on tourism’s ability to drive inclusive development and the role it plays in generating economic opportunities for millions across the globe. Tourism is one of the world’s most…

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The Glasgow Declaration: An urgent call for commitment to a decade of climate action in tourism

In preparation for COP26, two information sessions were held on September 21 on the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism. The Declaration, developed by a collaborative group of leading organizations, is an urgent call for all stakeholders to commit to a decade of climate action in tourism. The signatories of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action…

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Symposium focuses on tourism growth

Tourism stakeholders converged at Great Zimbabwe University, for the 2021 World Tourism Day Academic Symposium under the theme “Tourism for Inclusive Growth”.   This year’s commemorations came when the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic are battering the global tourism industry, with investment and job creation declining significantly. A total of 639,356 tourist arrivals were registered…

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ZTA embraces sport to market tourism

Zimbabwe Tourism Authority has stepped up its domestic tourism marketing efforts by partnering with Sports Tourism Inc to hold the Victoria Falls Sports Tourism Experience to held on 24-26 September in Victoria Falls. The objective of the festival is to promote sports tourism, market destination Zimbabwe and create sustainable development for marginalised communities in resort towns….

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Matetsi Victoria Falls Named Best Resort Hotel in Africa

In a huge endorsement of Zimbabwe as a prime tourist destination, Matetsi Victoria Falls has been named the Number 1 Resort Hotel in Africa in this year’s edition of the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards. Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon Mangaliso Ndhlovu, paid tribute to the international recognition of the…

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Matetsi Private Game Reserve: Zimbabwe’s best-kept secret in tourism and hospitality

In these trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic, a good time out to relax is the pre-requisite for an escape from the troubles of life and one such rendezvous is the world’s best-kept secret, the Matetsi Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve. The Matetsi Victoria Falls is the realisation of John Gardiner’s family’s dream to marry…

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Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu leads Zimbabwe at the 64th UNWTO African Commission

This week, Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry, Honourable Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndhlovu is in Sal, Cabo Verde attending the 64th UNWTO Regional Commission for Africa meeting and the 2nd Edition of the UNWTO Investment Forum in Africa from 2-4 September 2021. The Minister is accompanied by officials from the Ministry, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority…

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Mosi Oa Tunya, EMA, ZTA allocated new Boards of Directors

Honourable Mangaliso Ndlovu, the Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry has announced the Board of the Mosi Oa Tunya Development Company and the substantive Board Chairpersons for the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) and the Environment Management Agency (EMA). Below, Spiked Online Media reproduces the Minister’s statement on the appointments: Mosi Oa Tunya Development…

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Tourism boost: restaurants opened, SAA back in the skies

The tourism industry got a shot in the arm with Zimbabwe allowing restaurants to re-open for sit-in patrons who are fully vaccinated upon production of vaccination cards and strict adherence to Covid-19 while the South African Airways (SAA) is getting back in the skies. In a post-Cabinet briefing to journalists yesterday, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, the…

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World Elephant Day: Adventurer Holly Budge, 20 elephant specialists attract global audience

On World Elephant Day this year, on August 12th, Holly Budge, founder and leader of international non-profit, How Many Elephants, was among the impressive line-up of speakers at the global online event – ‘Elephants – from conflict to coexistence.’   Hosted by the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF), over 20 speakers spanning four…

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IATA urges global governments to adopt WHO travel rules

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on states to follow new guidance on travel from the World Health Organisation (WHO). The guidance recommends a “risk-based approach” to implementing measures related to Covid-19 and international travel. Specifically, WHO recommended that governments: Do not require proof of Covid-19 vaccination as a mandatory condition for entry…

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Victoria Falls’s Zambezi Boutique Guest House: Going the extra mile to offer the best

Fresh. Exquisite. Dependable. Majestic. Refreshing. Compact. Versatile. Different. This is a fair trial but inadequate attempt to describe Victoria Falls’ most recent, attractive, and popular citadel of tourism and hospitality services – the Zambezi Guest House. It is completely private – secluded and nestled in a peaceful suburb of Victoria Falls, approximately a 1 km…

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Understanding the Nkulumane Provincial Heroes Acre’s significance to the liberation struggle

By Nimrod Ushe Bulawayo – Mandwandwe High School toured Nkulumane Provincial Heroes Acre on a mission to comprehend Advanced Level Heritage Studies. The advanced level class was assisted by the National Museum and Monument of Zimbabwe (NMMZ), Education Officer Mr. Mgcini Dube, and the site custodian Mr. Gentlemen Maseko. Mr. Dube narrated the history of…

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Zimbabwe Government must embrace youthful talent

By Nicholas Ncube Zimbabwe is a land of talented and enterprising young people who shine in whatever part of the world or endeavour they find themself in. Zimbabwe has produced talent such as the flying elephant Peter Ndlovu, Adam Ndlovu, Leeroy Gopal, Oliver Mutukudzi, Marvelous Nakamba, Fanyana Dube, Edwin Hama, Danai Gurira, Tongai Chirisa, Busi…

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Review of the Parks and Wildlife Act to foster natural resources conservation

Environment and tourism stakeholders had a consultative meeting in Harare yesterday to gather views on the review of the Parks and Wildlife Act [Chapter 20:14] to ensure that the Act meets the current needs of society whilst at the same time addressing a myriad of contemporary sector challenges. In his keynote address, Honourable Mangaliso Ndlovu,…

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Minister Ndlovu on a whirlwind countrywide domestic tourism campaign

Honourable Mangaliso Ndlovu, the Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry has embarked on a whirlwind countrywide tour to promote domestic tourism. The minister, smarting from a tour of the pristine wildlife conservation area of the Lowveld that is home to the prestigious Malilangwe of the famous Pamushana Lodge, is in Mashonaland East Province…

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Advancing harmonised travel protocols and financing tourism survival

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has again convened its Global Tourism Crisis Committee to lead the sector in harmonizing travel and health protocols and securing vital financing for businesses struggling to survive a historic crisis. The ninth meeting of the Crisis Committee advanced solutions to the biggest challenges standing in the way of international travel returning….

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UN Secretary General Calls upon Stakeholders to Conserve Forest Species

By Joyce Mukucha The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged governments, businesses, and people everywhere to work tirelessly in scaling up efforts to create awareness about flora and fauna as well as conserving so as to contribute to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He communicated this in his message on World Wildlife Day…

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COVID-19 adversely impacts communities, local authorities’ capacity to conserve wildlife

COVID 19 has reduced the ability of the government, local authorities (Rural District Councils-RDCs) to fund the protection of wildlife and other natural resources from poaching, unsustainable exploitation and human-wildlife conflict, Hon Mangaliso Ndlovu, the Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry has said. He made the remarks during the hand over of equipment…

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Restaurants business on the brink of collapse as operations remain banned

Zimbabwe’s restaurant trade is teetering on the brink of collapse, following a year of closure or partial operation, and with no end to the crisis in sight. Restaurant Operators’ Association of Zimbabwe president Bongai Zamchiya says the non-operational or partial-operational status of restaurants since March last year has created a massive problem for the trade…

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Wildlife: A Focus on Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

By Team Africa Geographic As dusk descends over the red sands of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, her animal choir prepares for another encore-worthy performance. First, the barking geckos emerge to set up the staccato rhythmic accompaniment for what is to come. The pennywhistle arpeggios of the pearl-spotted owlet – disproportionately loud for such a small…

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2020: Worst year in tourism history with 1 billion fewer international arrivals

By UNWTO Global tourism suffered its worst year on record in 2020, with international arrivals dropping by 74% according to the latest data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Destinations worldwide welcomed 1 billion fewer international arrivals in 2020 than in the previous year, due to an unprecedented fall in demand and widespread travel restrictions….

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Coronavirus in Africa could reverse 30 years of Wildlife conservation gain

By Edwin Tambara For wild animals in Africa on the verge of extinction and the tight knit communities who protect them, COVID-19 is a specter, disrupting a delicate balancing act of survival for both humans and endangered species. African officials and conservation experts from Kenya, Uganda and Gabon briefed members of Congress on May 12…

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