Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve in Kazungula
THE Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi, has arrived in Victoria Falls, where she is spearheading her Ministry’s flagship ‘Meet and Greet’ exercise at the ports of entry into the resort city.
The initiative, which captures the authentic essence of Zimbabwean hospitality, commenced at the Kazungula Border Post.
The choice of Kazungula is strategic, acknowledging its pivotal role as a key facilitator of regional tourism.
As a modern border post linking Zimbabwe with Botswana, Zambia and Namibia, it serves as a vital artery for self-drive tourists and regional travellers, making it the perfect launchpad for Zimbabwe’s warm welcome.
With Victoria Falls already abuzz with festive activity as families and friends retreat, the Ministry’s focus has keenly shifted to the Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) cluster.
This segment, which strongly resonates with recreational tourism, is seeing targeted engagement.
To ensure exceptional service, Ministry teams have been deployed to key gathering points, including restaurants, fast-food outlets and musical shows where festive celebrations are concentrated.
The central pillar of this strategy, however, remains the Meet and Greet exercise at all ports of entry.
Under Minister Rwodzi’s leadership, tourism officers and hospitality teams are now strategically stationed at major gateways, including Robert Gabriel Mugabe, Victoria Falls and Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airports, as well as Beitbridge, Kazungula and Plumtree Border Posts.
These frontline teams are tasked with welcoming tourists with warm greetings, offering immediate travel assistance, and providing essential tourism information through maps, guides and promotional brochures.
The Ministry is also working in close collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, aligning with Immigration and Customs officials to streamline arrivals.
This inter-ministerial cooperation aims to ensure that every tourist’s first impression of Zimbabwe is one of seamless efficiency, friendliness and professionalism.
This visitor-centric initiative is complemented by extensive destination readiness activities, including the beautification of urban and resort areas, enhanced signage, and rigorous safety inspections across accommodation and transport sectors.
With these co-ordinated efforts, Zimbabwe is strategically positioned to offer an exceptional and memorable festive-season tourism experience, setting a positive tone for the year ahead.
