Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
ZIMBABWE is strengthening its reputation as a premier destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (Mice) tourism, with the ongoing 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands drawing record attendance and full bookings in Victoria Falls.
The resort city has experienced unprecedented demand for accommodation, with hotels and lodges operating at full capacity — prompting some delegates to seek lodging in private homes vetted by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA).
This surge in visitors further cements Zimbabwe’s growing appeal as a global hub for major conferences and events.
Following the country’s assumption of the SADC chairmanship, Zimbabwe has demonstrated its capability to host high-level regional meetings.
In an exclusive interview on the sidelines of COP15, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi, expressed her delight at the country’s rising profile in the Mice sector.
“It’s indeed our thrust this year to ensure that Zimbabwe becomes a destination of choice for conferencing, conventions, and gatherings of all kinds. We are very pleased with this Ramsar gathering. As you can see, it has brought a significant number of people into our country — more than most previous Ramsar conventions.
“It’s amazing to see so many people flying in. Our room capacity has been exceeded, and delegates are even staying in private homes that we, through the ZTA, have assessed to ensure they meet the necessary standards,” she said.
The Minister also highlighted the critical role of infrastructure development in enhancing tourism, particularly the ongoing rehabilitation of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls road.
“Accessibility is key — whether to Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, or other destinations along this route, whether coming from Beitbridge or Harare. The rehabilitation of the road from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls is great news for us. Completing the stretch to Beitbridge in the near future will be even better.
“We are grateful to the Government, the President, and his Cabinet for prioritising this road, which will significantly improve access to these destinations, especially for domestic tourism,” she said.
The recent introduction of Fastjet flights between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls marks another milestone expected to boost tourism traffic. Minister Rwodzi emphasised the airline’s role in enhancing connectivity. “The arrival of Fastjet means growth — not only in domestic tourism but also in international arrivals. We are encouraging tourists to spend a night or two in Bulawayo, which is itself a key destination, before heading to Victoria Falls,” she said.
Minister Rwodzi noted the new air route fills a long-standing gap in Zimbabwe’s transport network.
“There hasn’t been an airline servicing the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls route for a long time, so it’s great news that Fastjet is now operating this route. Many people travel between these two cities. Now, you can fly into Bulawayo from Harare and continue on the same flight to Victoria Falls.”
With COP15 setting a new benchmark for large-scale conferences in Zimbabwe, the country is well-positioned to attract even more high-profile events. The combination of improved road infrastructure, enhanced air connectivity, and world-class facilities in Victoria Falls places Zimbabwe firmly on the map as a competitive player in the global Mice tourism market.
Minister Rwodzi reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering commitment to tourism development, with Victoria Falls at the heart of Zimbabwe’s strategy to become Africa’s leading conference destination.
All eyes remain on COP15, where delegates from around the world are not only discussing wetland conservation but also witnessing Zimbabwe’s emergence as a premier hub for tourism and business events. — @nyeve14
