Harare Hosts Inaugural Twalumba National Travel and Tourism Awards
Celebrating the champions who make Zimbabwe a must-visit destination, the awards were held on 24th of February 2023 at Rainbow Towers Hotel.
The awards recognise and reward operational excellence in defined business areas within Zimbabwe, guided by the business areas as defined by ZTA’s registration process; recognise and reward effort and achievement in travel and tourism growth and development within Zimbabwe; recognise and reward individual, group, corporate contribution to the wellbeing of the travel and tourism sector of Zimbabwe.
ZTA Chief Executive Ms. Winnie Muchanyuka said the inaugural Twalumba National Travel & Tourism Awards have been nothing short of an excellent job: “The hard work by the team is a true reflection of the appreciation for those who have worked so hard for the Tourism industry. As the industry revives, let’s all wear a smile knowing we survived the worst of the industry (Covid19) and that we will tell the story”.
The awards embraced CSR and eco-tourism, issues that are increasingly receiving attention in Africa, with Wild Horizons being awarded the Corporate Social Responsibility Project of the Year and the Eco-tourism Initiative of the Year.
Tourism development and marketing strategy launched in Kariba
Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu, Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality minister recently unveiled the Kariba Regional Tourism Development and Strategy in Kariba that is set to improve the marketability of the resort and its surroundings to both local and international markets.
The strategy is welcome and at a time when the country is appreciating the improved visitor numbers in an economy recovering from the effects of Covid-19.
Joining the minister were the ZTA Chief Executive Winnie Muchanyuka, Tourism Business Council’s Wengai Nhau and Quinten de Lange chairman of the Kariba Regional Tourism Revival Committee.
Two more regional airlines for Zimbabwe
The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe announced on 23 February that it had approval and granted Foreign Operator Permits (FOPs) to regional airlines, Eswatini Air and Zambia Airways.
The FOPs authorize the respective airlines to operate passenger and cargo flights to and from Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, Harare.
CAAZ Director General, Dr. Engineer Elijah Chingosho said, “We are excited about the positive prospects for 2023 in line with the Vision 2030 and guided by the National Development Strategy 1(NDS1), as we implement the government initiated Open Skies Policy, positioning our economy for more trade, investment and tourism.”
Finer details of the commencement dates and frequencies of flights will be announced by the respective airlines in due course. However, in an update to stakeholders and the general public released on 9 February 2023, Eswatini Air said it envisaged taking to the skies at the beginning of the next IATA season, which is 26th of March 2023. The airline had also received its Foreign Operator Permit (FOP) for Zimbabwe and the FOP for South Africa was in the process.
Meikles Hotel Renovates
Meikle Hotel, the award-winning five-star hotel in the heart of Harare, on March 1 Tweeted about its current renovations, that are expected to be welcomed by the local and international markets.
“We are thrilled to present our first update on the ongoing renovations at the Meikles Hotel. Phase 1, which is focusing on the new rooftop swimming pool, is nearly finished. We can’t wait for you to see it!”, said the Tweet.
“As part of the ongoing exercise t enhance our physical operations and thus further improve your customer experience, our renovations which so far were focused on the new swimming pool, gym and spar areas will extend to the hotel foyer area on the ground floor with effect from Monday January 16. This will likely continue to the end of May 2023,”, said the “notice of renovation” sent out on 31 January 2022.
“During this period, The Tanganda Lounge and Explorer’s Bar will be closed with services provided in alternative areas. The rest of the hotel will remain operational including accommodation rooms and the La Fontaine Grill Room.
“It is our intention that through this exercise Meikles Hotel will remain the best hospitality service provider in the market, catering for the diverse needs of all customers and offering the most ideal option for five-star accommodation, conferencing, banqueting and other services for our guests in the leisure and business travel market.
“We apologize more sincerely for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience and support as we proceed in this most exciting time of renewal for the hotel.”
Musangano Lodge in Eastern Highlands Renovates
The lodge is moving ahead with the construction of 12 rooms that will be available for occupation soon, according to a Tweet by the lodge on 29 January 2023.
When it comes to variety the lodge will be able to offer quite a selection of rooms, one-bed chalets, 2-bedroom self-catering lodges, a 3-bedroom self-catering lodge and a camping ground with tents.
More accommodation options include the campground, and when you chose to stay at Musangano Lodge, you either set yourself up for an amazing sunrise or sunset.
Describing themselves as “the gateway to the Eastern Highlands”, its lodges are spaced well apart for privacy. Their tastefully furnished, comfortable and spacious units are set on the lower slopes of a tree-covered hillside, blending well into the surrounding Miombo mountain woodland. Guests may choose between the larger Lodges for families and friends or smaller chalets for two.
Located just off the Harare to Mutare Highway on Champion Mine Road, Odzi, guests will enjoy the refreshing cuisine, within the homely and unforgettable PaMuchakata Restaurant.
