Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe Zimpapers Business Hub
The New Zealand Under-19 men’s cricket team is today taking time out from the rain-soaked ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup to tour the iconic Matopos National Park, underlining the growing linkage between sport and tourism as Zimbabwe co-hosts the global youth showpiece.
With persistent rains disrupting matches in Bulawayo and Harare, the young Black Caps have embraced the opportunity to unwind and recharge, enjoying a relaxed outing at one of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated tourist destinations as the tournament continues.
Zimbabwe is co-hosting the 2026 ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup with Namibia, with the competition running from January 15 to February 6.
Organisers have encouraged visiting teams to sample the country’s leisure, cultural and heritage offerings during off days.
New Zealand’s first two matches, played on Sunday and Tuesday, both ended with no results due to rain.
Set amid the granite-decorated terrain of the Matobo Hills, Matopos National Park is renowned for its balancing rocks, sweeping panoramic views and deep historical significance.
When Cecil John Rhodes, then chairman of the British South Africa Company (BSAC), first encountered the area, he reportedly developed a deep affection for it, famously naming it “The View of the World.”
The Matobo Hills were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003.
For the New Zealand youngsters, the excursion offered a refreshing balance between high-performance sport and leisure, allowing players to mentally reset, strengthen team bonds and appreciate Zimbabwe’s natural beauty away from the pressures of international competition.
Team officials indicated that the break would help sustain morale and focus as the tournament progresses, noting that such experiences are particularly important in youth sport, where enjoyment, recovery and exposure to different cultures form part of holistic player development.
Beyond the immediate benefits to the team, the visit also demonstrates how sport and tourism are being deliberately integrated to deliver value beyond the field of play.
International events such as the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup are increasingly serving as platforms to showcase Zimbabwe’s tourism–sport cluster to a global audience.
Industry players have long argued that sports tourism plays a critical role in stimulating foreign currency inflows, increasing hotel occupancy, boosting domestic travel and creating employment across multiple value chains, including transport, hospitality, guiding services and retail.
By linking major sporting events with leisure experiences at national parks, heritage sites and cultural centres, Zimbabwe is strengthening its sports tourism offering, enabling visitors to combine high-level competition with visits to iconic destinations such as Matopos National Park.
Beyond economic gains, sports tourism is also viewed as a powerful soft-power and destination-branding tool, helping to reposition Zimbabwe on the global stage as a safe, scenic and professionally organised host of international events.
Officials note that exposure of young international athletes to Zimbabwe’s natural and cultural heritage often translates into repeat visits, positive word-of-mouth promotion and long-term tourism returns.
With Zimbabwe and Namibia jointly hosting the global youth tournament, excursions such as the Matopos visit underline the hosts’ intention to blend elite sport with tourism and cultural exchange, ensuring visiting teams leave with lasting memories both on and off the field.
