Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Tourism Correspondent
ZIMBABWE is making a strong and strategic impression at the Outbound Travel Mart in Mumbai, showcasing its rich mix of wildlife, heritage, nature, adventure and sports experiences at South Asia’s largest travel trade exhibition.
The country’s presence at the prestigious tourism showcase comes at a time when India’s outbound travel market is expanding rapidly, with millions of travellers seeking new and authentic destinations.
Zimbabwe’s participation signals a deliberate push to position itself as a preferred long haul destination for the Indian market, which continues to show increasing appetite for diverse and immersive travel experiences.
The Zimbabwe stand quickly became a hive of activity as travel agents, tour operators, investors and travel enthusiasts flocked to engage with the delegation.
Visitors were drawn by the vibrant imagery of the majestic Eastern Highlands which has excellent packages as well as Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Great Zimbabwe, as well as curated packages highlighting safari experiences, cultural tourism and adventure offerings. Many visitors expressed excitement at the competitive and attractive packages on offer, particularly tailored group tours, honeymoon experiences, wildlife safaris and heritage circuits.
The Zimbabwe delegation held a series of business to business meetings, with several Indian tour operators indicating readiness to package and promote Zimbabwe for travel in 2026 and beyond.
The overwhelming response underscored growing confidence in Zimbabwe as a safe, unique and value driven destination.
Tourism and Hospitality analysts said sustained promotion, strategic partnerships and targeted market engagement will be key to convert this interest into tangible arrivals and long term investment.
With improved connectivity discussions and collaborative marketing initiatives underway, Zimbabwe is positioning itself to tap into one of the world’s fastest growing outbound tourism markets.
Tourism and hospitality analyst, Mr Willard Madhombiro, said Zimbabwe’s strong showing in Mumbai represents a significant milestone in the country’s tourism growth strategy.
“India represents a high potential source market with a rapidly expanding middle class that is increasingly travelling long haul. Zimbabwe’s participation at the Outbound Travel Mart is therefore, not merely symbolic, but strategic. The enthusiastic response at the Zimbabwe stand demonstrates that the country’s product offering resonates with Indian travellers who are looking for unique wildlife encounters, cultural depth and memorable leisure experiences. The key opportunity now lies in consolidating these engagements through structured follow ups, destination familiarisation tours and strengthened air access. If Zimbabwe succeeds in converting trade interest into confirmed travel flows, this market could substantially boost arrivals, diversify source markets and enhance foreign currency earnings. Importantly, growth from India can stimulate infrastructure development, hospitality expansion and job creation across the tourism value chain, reinforcing tourism’s role as a pillar of national economic transformation,” he said.
Another tourism expert, Mr Adonis Mutigwe, said the growing international attention on Zimbabwe reflects a powerful shift in perception and positioning.
“What we are witnessing is the steady affirmation of Zimbabwe as a premium destination within the region and beyond. When respected expeditioners from South Africa publicly describe the Eastern Highlands as a paradise, it validates the country’s tourism assets in a very organic and credible way. For Zimbabwe, this means enhanced brand equity, increased regional confidence, and stronger prospects for foreign currency inflows.
“For the Eastern Highlands in particular, it reinforces its status as the country’s prime tourist destination, offering a unique blend of mountains, forests, waterfalls and cultural heritage that cannot be replicated elsewhere in the region. Increased visibility translates into greater investment in infrastructure, hospitality, and community enterprises. It also creates opportunities for local communities to participate meaningfully in tourism value chains, from guiding services to crafts and agri-tourism. If leveraged strategically, this momentum can position Manicaland not just as a scenic retreat but as a year-round economic engine contributing significantly to national growth,” he said.
Tourism, business and labour expert, Mr Tich Vhiriri, said the renewed global interest carries important economic implications.
“Tourism is one of the fastest ways to stimulate inclusive growth. When destinations like the Eastern Highlands attract regional and international visitors, the benefits cascade across multiple sectors including transport, agriculture, retail and creative industries. Increased tourist arrivals mean more jobs for young people and women in hospitality, tour operations and small enterprises.
“It also strengthens investor confidence, especially when Government is visibly engaged in promoting the sector at platforms such as the Mumbai travel mart. For Zimbabwe, the key now is to consolidate this goodwill through service excellence, infrastructure development and skills training. A thriving Eastern Highlands can serve as a model for sustainable tourism development nationwide, demonstrating how natural beauty and community participation can drive long term economic transformation,” he said.
