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Leonard Ncube
Victoria Falls Reporter
VICTORIA Falls is expected to experience massive economic and social transformation following the announcement of plans to construct international tourism academies and a top-of-the-range cricket stadium.
The projects are set to enhance the city’s infrastructure, retain skills and bolster its image as a premier global tourism destination.
In its 2025 budget statement, the Victoria Falls City Council acknowledged the challenge posed by skills flight in the tourism sector, but expressed optimism that the upcoming projects namely the Tourism and Culinary Academy, Lupane State University (LSU) Tourism School and Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium, will rejuvenate the city’s fortunes.
“The construction of the Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium is expected to boost the local economy and have a positive impact on all downstream industries associated with the project,” reads part of the statement that was presented by finance committee chair Councillor Derrick Munsaka.
He added that the establishment of the Tourism Academy would attract regional scholars with diverse skills, contributing to improved service standards and professionalism in the local hospitality industry, which had suffered due to the migration of skilled workers.
The planned academies are expected to help Victoria Falls retain much-needed skills and provide training for a new generation of professionals in the tourism and hospitality sectors. The Tourism Academy, in particular, will attract students from across Africa, bringing fresh perspectives and expertise into the local industry.
This initiative comes at a crucial time as tourism is one of Zimbabwe’s fastest-growing sectors, contributing significantly to the national economy.
The United Nations (UN) Tourism has also endorsed Victoria Falls as a hub for tourism education, with plans to establish the Africa International Tourism Academy for Culinary Arts in the city. The academy will offer cookery skills to students from across the continent, further solidifying Victoria Falls’ position as a centre for tourism excellence.
Government has made significant strides towards implementing the National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy, aimed at growing the tourism economy to US$5 billion by 2025. This strategy aligns with the country’s Vision 2030, which aspires to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income society driven by increased investment, job creation, and poverty alleviation.
The development of tourism infrastructure in Victoria Falls is also expected to strengthen regional partnerships. Through the, “We Are Victoria Falls Initiative,” the city has entered into a strategic partnership with Cape Town, South Africa, to co-ordinate joint marketing activities. Branded as “Wonder to Wonder,” this collaboration aims to promote both destinations through international roadshows, expanding the visibility of Victoria Falls on the global tourism map.
The UN Tourism’s decision to hold the inaugural Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa in Victoria Falls in July underscored the city’s growing importance as a tourism hub. The selection was a recognition of First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa’s efforts to promote gastronomy tourism, both domestically and abroad, through her Angel of Hope Foundation.
Her advocacy for traditional Zimbabwean cuisine has helped drive interest in establishing a tourism academy in Victoria Falls, as the country seeks to capitalise on its unique cultural and culinary heritage.
As part of these efforts, UN Tourism has offered 100 scholarships for students pursuing studies in tourism, and Victoria Falls has been granted the opportunity to host a UN Tourism Academy for the SADC region.
Lupane State University (LSU) has also joined the development push by acquiring 20 000 square metres of land from the Victoria Falls City Council to build a satellite tourism campus. This campus will be a significant addition for students in Hwange District, which includes Victoria Falls and surrounding areas, who have long called for a higher education institution in the region.
LSU has already begun preparing the land for construction, with plans to build an international school of hospitality and tourism. This development is expected to address concerns raised by tourism industry players about the lack of skilled personnel locally.
The new campus will feature on-campus accommodation for students and will help equip future professionals with the necessary skills to support the growth of the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Despite its status as Zimbabwe’s tourism capital, Victoria Falls lacks a dedicated tourism school, forcing local businesses to import labour from other parts of the country. The new LSU campus and the UN Tourism-backed culinary academy will help fill this gap by producing qualified professionals who can meet the demands of the growing industry.
The construction of the Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium is another major project that promises to transform the city’s tourism landscape. With a planned capacity of 10 000 seats, the stadium is expected to attract major international cricket events, further promoting sports tourism in Victoria Falls.
By positioning the city as a destination for both leisure and sporting events, the new stadium is anticipated to draw visitors from around the world, boosting local businesses and creating job opportunities in sectors such as hospitality, retail, and transport.
Online Reporter