When one thinks of Zimbabwe, images of rich wildlife, vast landscapes, and vibrant cultures often come to mind. However, nestled in this picturesque country is a location that has become synonymous with celebration and excitement – the Victoria Falls. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty and awe-inspiring grandeur, city of Victoria Falls has earned its title as the “events capital of Zimbabwe.” This reputation is built upon a unique combination of its spectacular setting, its world-class facilities, and its ability to host a diverse array of events.
A natural wonder as the ultimate backdrop
Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and its sheer magnificence provides a stunning backdrop for any event. The majestic waterfall, which has a combined width of 170 metres and whose water plunges 108 meters into the Zambezi River, creates a dramatic and unforgettable setting that adds a touch of grandeur to conferences, exhibitions, festivals and other events. The roar of the falls and the mist that envelops the area contribute to an atmosphere of wonder and excitement, making any event held here truly special.
World-class event facilities
Victoria Falls boasts a range of top-notch event venues and facilities that cater for both large and small gatherings. From luxurious hotels and resorts to dedicated conference centres, the region is equipped to handle a variety of events with professionalism and flair. Notable venues include the Victoria Falls Hotel, a historic gem offering elegant settings and modern amenities, and the Elephant Hills Resort and Conference Centre, which provides expansive conference facilities and stunning views. The availability of these facilities ensures that Victoria Falls can host everything from international conferences and corporate retreats to glamorous weddings and private parties.
A diverse range of events
The versatility of Victoria Falls is one of the key reasons it has earned its status as Zimbabwe’s events capital. The region plays host to a wide variety of events throughout the year, each catering to different interests and audiences. They include the following:
- Cultural Festivals: Celebrations such as the Victoria Falls Carnival showcase local music, dance, and cuisine, drawing visitors from around the world. These festivals highlight the rich cultural heritage of Zimbabwe and provide a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
- Adventure Sports: The area’s natural features offer unparalleled opportunities for adventure sports. Events such as the Zambezi River Rafting Championship and the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon leverage the stunning landscape to attract thrill-seekers and athletes.
- Corporate and Incentive Travel: With its combination of natural beauty and state-of-the-art facilities, Victoria Falls is a prime destination for corporate events and incentive trips. The region’s ability to offer both productive meeting spaces and exciting leisure activities makes it a favourite among business travellers.
Accessibility and infrastructure
Victoria Falls is well-connected both internationally and within Zimbabwe. The Victoria Falls International Airport offers direct flights from major cities in Africa and connections to global hubs, making it easy for international guests to attend events. Additionally, the region’s infrastructure is designed to support large numbers of visitors, with ample accommodation options, transport services, and dining establishments. This accessibility ensures that events in Victoria Falls can run smoothly and that attendees have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
A commitment to sustainable tourism
Victoria Falls has also embraced sustainable tourism practices, ensuring that its natural beauty is preserved for future generations. This commitment to environmental stewardship enhances the appeal of the region as an event destination, as organisers and attendees increasingly seek locations that prioritize sustainability. The efforts to protect and conserve the natural surroundings contribute to a positive image for events held in the area.
Victoria Falls stands out as the events capital of Zimbabwe due to its extraordinary natural beauty, world-class facilities, and diverse event offerings. The combination of these factors creates an unparalleled experience for both event organizers and attendees. Whether it is a high-profile conference, a cultural festival, or an intimate wedding, Victoria Falls provides a setting that is both inspiring and memorable.
Need to increase available accommodation
Government has been on a drive to grow the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector and bid to host more international meetings. This augers very well for the Victoria Falls resort city’s economy. These initiatives, however, need to be matched by a push for the construction of more accommodation and venues infrastructure to match the anticipated growth of the MICE sector.
This is very important in that in the past the city has been overwhelmed in terms of accommodation provision. For example when the city hosted the Transform Africa Summit in April last year, it could not host the over 4 000 delegates some of who had to find alternative accommodation. This is worsened by the fact that the city has only two five-star hotels, namely the Victoria Falls Hotel and the Palm River Hotel.
Victoria Falls has 2 000 hotel rooms and requires 2 000 more to meet the demand for accommodation during major events. In April last year, the then Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Mangaliso Ndlovu told the media that the government was aware of the challenge and was engaging the private sector to attract investment to the tourism accommodation sector.
In May last year, the government announced plans to build a four-star hotel, a 5 000-seater conference centre and a golf course in partnership with the insurance giant, Old Mutual, as part of the development of the Masuwe Special Economic Zone in the Victoria Falls area.
Once the accommodation and event venues gap is fully addressed Victoria Falls will undoubtedly scale dizzy heights as a prestigious Zimbabwean premier destination, which attracts global events and visitors for global and continental business events and other gatherings.
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