NEW EVENTS VENUE OPENS, BOOSTING VICTORIA FALLS AS MICE DESTINATION

By Martin Chemhere

The vibrant tourism and business community of Victoria Falls gathered on Friday, April 4th, for the highly anticipated launch of Queen Nandi Place, a sophisticated and versatile events venue situated within the prestigious Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate.

The grand opening showcased the venue’s elegant interiors and breathtaking panoramic views overlooking the sprawling Zambezi National Park and the majestic spray of the Victoria Falls, highlighting its capacity to host a diverse range of high-end events. From elegant weddings and prestigious gala dinners to impactful product launches and rejuvenating wellness retreats, Queen Nandi Place promises to be a premier destination for memorable occasions.

As an integral part of the esteemed Victoria Falls Safari Collection, which is expertly managed by the Africa Albida Tourism Hospitality group, Queen Nandi Place is strategically positioned to significantly enhance Victoria Falls’ appeal as a year-round destination for the lucrative Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) sector. During his welcoming address, Andy Conn, the Group Operations Manager, underscored the critical role of such a facility in mitigating the challenges posed by the destination’s traditional low tourism season.

“Queen Nandi Place represents more than just a new venue; it is a proactive response to the seasonal fluctuations that impact our destination,” Conn stated. “By attracting a greater influx of upmarket events and meetings during our traditionally quieter months, our ambition is to not only bolster occupancy within our own properties but also to stimulate broader business growth across all establishments in Victoria Falls.”

Echoing this sentiment, Anald Musonza, the Head of Sales and Marketing, emphasized the paramount importance of cohesive collaboration within the local tourism industry to fully realize the potential of this new offering. “The expansion of the MICE business in Victoria Falls hinges on strong partnerships,” Musonza asserted. “Queen Nandi Place is a vital component, but its success necessitates a unified effort from the entire community to actively promote Victoria Falls as a world-class events destination.”

The venue’s name pays homage to the remarkable Queen Nandi, the mother of the legendary King Shaka Zulu, celebrating her enduring legacy of strength, courage, and grace. This state-of-the-art, multi-purpose facility boasts a seating capacity for up to 180 delegates and features a dedicated, fully equipped kitchen to ensure seamless and high-quality event catering services.

The Africa Albida Tourism hospitality group, renowned for its commitment to capturing the authentic essence of Africa, operates the Victoria Falls Safari Collection. This impressive portfolio includes the flagship Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, the exclusive 20-room Victoria Falls Safari Club, the spacious Victoria Falls Safari Suites, the family-friendly Lokuthula Lodges – Victoria Falls, the acclaimed MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant, the iconic Boma – Dinner & Drum Show, the tranquil Victoria Falls Safari Spa, and now, the versatile Queen Nandi Place.

All these exceptional properties are conveniently located within the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate, a mere four kilometers from the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls themselves. The addition of Queen Nandi Place is poised to further solidify Victoria Falls’ reputation as a leading destination for both leisure and business travelers seeking an unforgettable African experience.