Moffat Mungazi
Lloyd Makonya
Correspondent
EDEN Lodge of Vumba, one of Manicaland’s premier hospitality establishments, has once again put the Eastern Highlands on the national map by clinching the prestigious gold award in the Outstanding Service Excellence Category at the recently held Zimbabwe CEO’s Network Awards.
This accolade is, not only a celebration of Eden Lodge’s commitment to excellence, but also a significant vote of confidence in the broader hospitality potential of Vumba and the Eastern Highlands region.
It affirms the rising standard of service in this scenic part of the country, and underscores the importance of sustained investment in hospitality and tourism infrastructure.
Speaking after receiving the award, a visibly elated Eden Lodge general manager, Mr Lindani Ngwenya, emphasised the team’s dedication to raising the bar in the industry.
“This award means a lot to us. It is recognition of the effort we have consistently put into improving and maintaining service excellence. It also validates the corporate culture we introduced last year, which encourages our team to ‘inspire’ in every service we deliver,” said Mr Ngwenya.
Eden Lodge’s achievement is especially timely as the province prepares to host a global audience for the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi Tourism and Travel Expo scheduled for September.
The expo is one of Zimbabwe’s largest travel showcases, designed to attract international buyers, investors, and media to experience the country’s tourism offerings firsthand.
Manicaland’s capacity to deliver world-class service will be under the spotlight, and Eden Lodge’s award-winning status provides a compelling narrative that the province is ready.
From the misty forests of Vumba, and the majestic Bvumba mountains, natural beauty alone is no longer enough in today’s competitive tourism market.
Tourists now demand holistic experiences marked by quality service, comfort, safety, and authenticity.
In this regard, Eden Lodge’s recognition serves as a critical benchmark in enhancing “Brand Manicaland.”
It proves that the region can offer, not just scenic wonder, but also memorable guest experiences driven by professional service delivery.
This is essential if the province is to grow its share of the domestic, regional, and international tourism markets.
Mr Ngwenya said: “We believe in continuous improvement, and this recognition encourages us and others in the region to push further. Manicaland has what it takes to become a world-class destination. All we need is shared commitment and strategic action.”
With the right mix of innovation, collaboration, and professionalism, the Eastern Highlands can truly become a jewel in Zimbabwe’s tourism crown and Eden Lodge has just raised the standard.
Online Reporter