ZIMBABWE is getting ready to host the Victoria Falls Carnival this month, with organisers targeting an increased participation by the corporate world, which is expected to boost business for the tourism sector, The NewsHawks have learnt.
The Vic Falls Carnival, held in April, is one of the country’s largest parties, luring more than 4 000 visitors to last year’s destination.
Vic Falls Carnival organiser Bongani Ngwenya said they are going to convene the show with a business creation perspective to benefit players in the tourism sector.
“Last year we had 4 000 people that came to witness the 2022 addition of the carnival, and this year tickets are selling at a very fast pace and we believe that we will surpass last year’s numbers.
“We have created partnerships with players in the tourism sector in Victoria Falls. We have made arrangements with various players in making sure that packages are created for the expected traffic.
“We put those packages in place to make sure there is a downstream benefit to as many players. The event presents a perfect opportunity for the growth of meetings, incentives conferences and exhibitions (MICE) tourism, and we want to make sure that as many players as possible benefit.
“We are delighted to note that we have had a very good response from the corporate world in terms of support and creation of that downstream business network. We are looking forward to the coming next few weeks as we get into this edition of the carnival,” Ngwenya said.
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) head of corporate affairs Godfrey Koti said his
organisation is working on increasing participation from both local and international markets.
“We use the carnival to raise awareness on destination Zimbabwe in its totality and the conservation activities that are being done around the country. This is good for Victoria Falls because it increases our room nights spent in the destination. So we are hoping to increase the quantum of receipts from that particular area during that time,” Koti said.
“This year, we are excited to hear that there is a very good line-up of entertainment acts and activities. It really gives the industry players increased business and that is what we are looking for as the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority.
“As we continue also to celebrate the awards that we have received on the international scene attest to the fact that Zimbabwe is a must-visit destination. We (Zimbabwe) were named the Destination of the Year in the natural beauty category. The minister was awarded African Minister of the Year whilst our chief executive officer was named Professional Destination Manager of the Year.
“These are good things that are happening to the sector. They endorse our work and the destination in such a big way. So we are very excited to be having such an event at such a time,” he said. — STAFF WRITER.
