Exciting opportunities for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions / events (MICE) in Zimbabwe were showcased in style at a gala reception held in London on 29 January.
Travel and event companies were welcomed to the Zimbabwe Embassy to learn about the array of annual sporting, cultural, adventure and commercial events taking places across the country in addition to opportunities for hosting business forums or trade fairs.
The attendees were enthusiastically informed that Zimbabwe is well placed to attract the MICE industry and provide facilities of the highest international standard. It was explained how the country has a strong record of hosting events ranging from an international Jehovah’s Witnesses convention (6000 pax) to major African Union summits attended by many heads of states and ministerial delegations.
According to Zimbabwe Tourism Authority reports, the tourism industry generated over USD 1.051 billion in foreign receipts for the economy during 2018 but many hospitality professionals believe there is huge potential for this figure to be boosted by encouraging visitors to discover even more attractions, activities and places in the country. This ranges from the Kariba Tiger Fishing Tournament to the Matobo 33 Miller Marathon. There is an array of events beyond our safari destinations.
Zimbabwe’s major meeting and conference destinations, such as Victoria Falls and Harare, are already well positioned to capture more of this market thanks to competitively priced hotels together with other event venue options plus improving air links provided by major carriers including Rwandair, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and South African Airways. Business tourists visiting for MICE activities in the country could boost visitor numbers currently in the region of 2.5 million annually, especially in the low season when the safari business declines.
Farai Chimba, Vice President of the Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe, expressed his full support for the initiative: “Zimbabwe offers diverse facilities and experiences making it an ideal MICE destination. With huge capital investments to existing infrastructure plus new properties there are exciting opportunities to grow our portfolio with top end products.” The respected hotelier also encouraged further efforts to “tell our story” to increase the country’s positive visibility in international and regional markets.
Among the musical talent at the reception was the respected Zimbabwean vocalist Tsungai Tsikirai who told SCF: “My homeland always offers a warm welcome to visitors. Our outstanding hospitality and events industry professionals will always offer world-class service with a smile.”
That spirit was reflected during the reception with entertainment organised by Robin Findlay, chairman of the Ruby Mear Group, including a special performance by the celebrated Drum Café ensemble, while guests also had the opportunity to make connections with representatives from the country’s diaspora and enjoy a buffet of traditional dishes.
The evening’s sponsors included African Sun Ltd, Holiday Inn Mutare, Mysteries of Africa, RwandAir, Kenya Airways, ATTA, AITO, Drum Café and Skyteam.
Rwandair fly three times a week from London Gatwick to Harare via Kigali.
Top image: © The auditorium at Rainbow Towers Hotel, Harare, Zimbabwe
