Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe [email protected]
PERMANENT Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Dr Takaruza Munyanyiwa, has urged tourism industry players to aggressively market Air Zimbabwe as part of the country’s destination offering, describing the resumption of direct flights between Harare and London after a 14-year hiatus as a landmark achievement that will transform Zimbabwe’s tourism prospects.
Speaking during consultations on the National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS) 2026-2030, Dr Munyanyiwa said the strategy was being crafted at a pivotal moment, marked by significant policy and infrastructure developments that would strengthen Zimbabwe’s competitiveness as a tourism destination.
Air Zimbabwe is expected to deploy a leased 302-seater Airbus A330 aircraft on the route.
Dr Munyanyiwa said the restoration of the Harare-London service was a major milestone that deserved national recognition.
“I want to say the NTSS is happening at a very crucial time with our national airline, Air Zimbabwe resuming London flight today and this is 14 years later.
“This is a major milestone and we need to applaud Government for getting us here.
“NTSS is a defining moment in our collective journey to shape the future of Zimbabwe’s tourism sector. This is why we are here,” said Dr Munyanyiwa.
He noted that having a functioning national airline placed Zimbabwe among a select group of African countries with such strategic assets.
“Just to put into context, out of the 54 countries in Africa there are 14 national airlines so we are among the best.”
Dr Munyanyiwa said the direct London service would fundamentally change how Zimbabwe positions itself in international tourism markets, as travellers increasingly prefer destinations that offer seamless air connectivity.
“What it means now is as you package your products, our story from today is different because we have had tourists coming here via different routes, tourists want a direct flight.
“You cannot be a principal destination if you do not have direct connectivity.
“Our national airline is flying that route (London), it means we can provide connectivity to the region and also what we need now is a robust domestic connectivity arrangement,” he said.
He challenged tourism operators to incorporate Air Zimbabwe into their travel packages and marketing campaigns to maximise the benefits of the restored route.
