IN a move that reaffirms Emirates’ commitment to Zimbabwe as a must-visit tourist destination in Africa, the airline has renewed their partnership deal with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA).

In line with their  shared goal of introducing more international tourists to the local  market, the MoU, signed at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) reinforces the airline’s longstanding commitment to attracting to attracting to Zimbabwe visitors from across its global network of more than 130 passenger destinations. 

According to a statement by Emirates the MoU was signed by the Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations for Africa Badr Abbas and Ambassador Lovemore Mazemo for the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority.

Among the senior officials present at the ceremony were Emirates executive vice president Passenger Sales and Country Management, Nabil Sultan and Airports Company of Zimbabwe Vice Board Chairperson, Dr Sinikiwe Gwatidzo, along with other senior officials. 

Badr Abbas, said: “Zimbabwe is a key emerging destination in Africa, attracting more international visitors every year who want to experience the country’s bountiful nature and embrace the warm culture. With this partnership, we renew our commitment to boosting inbound visitors and to continue flying passengers better with Emirates to and from Zimbabwe.” 

“This initiative is crucial for implementing strategic promotional programs that aim to boost travel to Zimbabwe.”  

ZTA acting CEO William Stima

ZTA acting CEO William Stima was reported as saying that the partnership renewal with the airline was a significant milestone in strengthening collaboration between the two organisations.

“This initiative is crucial for implementing strategic promotional programs that aim to boost travel to Zimbabwe.”  

Under the MoU, Emirates will continue to identify key markets to promote Zimbabwe as a competitive tourism destination and encourage travellers to experience its diverse natural wonders, exotic wildlife and vibrant cultural attractions.  

On its part, the ZTA will work closely with the airline to develop programmes for trade partners and tour operators to market and stimulate the industry.

Both partners will explore incentives, familiarisation trips and other marketing initiatives to stimulate tourism bookings into Zimbabwe.  

Zimbabwe has laid out ambitious tourism objectives as it aims to become a leader in sustainable tourism in Africa by 2030, marking it as a must-visit destination on the global map.

The ongoing partnership between Emirates and the ZTA supports this vision, increasing visibility in international markets and attracting visitors from markets such as the UAE, UK, China and Australia to the country.  

Emirates first began operations to Harare in February 2012. Just over a decade later, the airline has carried 1.12 million passengers since the inaugural flight, facilitating better travel and trade links with the wider world.   

Trailblazing journey

The Emirates story began in 1985 when it launched its operations with just two aircraft. Today, it flies the world’s biggest fleets of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s, offering customers the comforts of the latest and most efficient wide-body aircraft in the skies.
Emirates inspires travellers around the world with its growing network of worldwide destinations, industry-leading inflight entertainment, regionally-inspired cuisine, and world-class service.

For more information see www.emirates.com/zw

..Africa’s adventure capital

As a holiday destination, Victoria Falls is simply the ultimate all-round experience.

From the impressive scenery to the abundant wildlife, the world-famous adrenaline activities and strong local culture, there is so much on offer in Africa’s adventure capital.

After viewing the spectacular Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the second most popular landmark in the region is the Victoria Falls Bridge.

While it is the stunning natural beauty of the Victoria Falls that takes your breath away, it is the man-made magic of building a bridge across an enormous chasm that really blows your mind!

Connecting the two towns, Livingstone in Zambia and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, the Victoria Falls Bridge was the dream of one man, Cecil John Rhodes, where his vision was for Africa to be connected from Cape-to-Cairo with a continuous railway.

The legend is that he instructed engineers to “build a bridge across the Zambezi where the trains, as they pass, will catch the spray of the Falls”.

When you think that this construction began in the turn of the century, in 1903 it really is awe-inspiring. Source: zimbabwetourism.net