Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe Zimpapers Business Hub
SOUTH Africa’s Springboks Webb Ellis Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi’s recent visit to Zimbabwe has reinforced the country’s world-class tourism destination status as a place favoured by international icons, Tourism and Hospitality Industry ministry has said.
Kolisi was in the country last week, starting his visit at the majestic Victoria Falls, where he sampled some of Zimbabwe’s unique tourism offerings.
The global rugby icon later travelled to Harare, where on Friday night he was at La Parada, interacting with locals from different walks of life, further showcasing Zimbabwe’s warm hospitality and vibrant social atmosphere.
In a statement, the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry said Deputy Minister Tongai Mnangagwa had an engagement with Kolisi during his stay in the capital.
“Zimbabwe’s signature warmth and hospitality shone brightly as the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Tongai Mnangagwa met and warmly greeted Siya Kolisi, the South African global rugby icon, at La Parada in Harare.
“ The engagement reflected Zimbabwe’s culture of authentic welcome and rich cultural pride as Kolisi enjoyed his visit to Destination Zimbabwe. The Deputy Minister welcomed him and thanked him for choosing to experience the country, noting that his presence reinforces Zimbabwe’s world-class destination recognition status as a place favoured by International icons,” the ministry said.
The ministry added that the visit was also an opportunity to showcase the country’s cultural identity and creative heritage.
“As a gesture of Zimbabwean hospitality, the Deputy Minister presented him with Zimbabwe’s iconic National Fabric and branded Experience Zimbabwe souvenirs. Siya Kolisi received the gifts with great joy and appreciation, warmly expressing his gratitude for the memorable welcome.”
Kolisi’s visit comes as Zimbabwe continues to position itself as a premier global tourism destination, leveraging high-profile international visitors to amplify its appeal and reaffirm its standing on the world tourism map.
While in Victoria Falls, Kolisi took to social media to post videos of himself enjoying a jetboat ride at the base of the majestic waterfall, giving fans a glimpse into his scenic and carefree experience.
In one of the pictures, Kolisi is seen enjoying a sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River.
He also shared a video of him enjoying a day out at Victoria Falls with the sprays of the thundering Mosi-oa-Tunya cooling him off.
Another image captures him wrapped in a chitenga while sipping a beer, accompanied by the popular Amapiano lover’s anthem, “Asibe Happy” by Ami Faku, DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small.
