Zimbabwe Strengthens Regional Tourism Ties
Zimbabwe is stepping up efforts to strengthen regional tourism links by taking part in the 2nd UN Tourism and ICAO Ministerial Conference on Tourism and Air Transport in Africa, currently under way in Luanda, Angola.
The country’s delegation is being led by Dr Takaruza Munyanyiwa, Secretary for Tourism and Hospitality Industry, who has joined African leaders and international partners to explore how better air connectivity and integrated tourism strategies can drive economic growth, infrastructure development and seamless travel across the continent.
On the sidelines of the conference, Dr Munyanyiwa held a bilateral meeting with Angola’s Minister of Tourism, Marcio Daniel.
The two officials reaffirmed the historic ties between Zimbabwe and Angola and agreed to enhance cooperation in key areas such as air connectivity.
Among the proposals discussed was the potential for Angola’s flag carrier, TAAG Airlines, to service a route linking Victoria Falls, Harare and Lusaka.
The talks also included plans to revive a tourism cooperation protocol and to promote multi‑destination travel packages, allowing visitors to experience both countries more easily.
In a further boost to ties, Angola pledged to send a delegation to Zimbabwe soon for business‑to‑business engagements aimed at building stronger private sector partnerships.
Zimbabwe’s Tourism Drive
Zimbabwe has in recent years been working to position itself as a competitive destination in Africa, with flagship attractions such as Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park and the Eastern Highlands drawing visitors from across the globe.
The government has prioritised improving air connectivity to support this growth, with new routes and airline partnerships being key to increasing arrivals.
The Luanda conference, convened by UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), brings together ministers, aviation leaders and development agencies to examine how air transport can help unlock Africa’s tourism potential.
For Zimbabwe, officials say the outcome of these discussions could play a vital role in boosting arrivals, creating jobs and cementing the country’s position as a gateway to Southern Africa’s tourism circuit.