LUIPARDAL FINE SOAPS CELEBRATES MILESTONE IN ZIMBABWE’S HOSPITALITY SECTOR

The Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honourable Barbara Rwodzi, officially presided over the 20th-anniversary celebrations of Luipardal Fine Soaps and Hotel Amenities. The event, held yesterday, marked two decades of consistent growth for a company that has become a cornerstone of the hospitality value chain in Zimbabwe.

Minister Rwodzi lauded the organization for its unwavering commitment to quality and its role in shaping the guest experience through the local production of premium hotel amenities, which are essential to the comfort and service excellence that define Destination Zimbabwe.

During her keynote address, the Minister emphasized that Luipardal prioritizes local manufacturing and has not only created vital jobs and supported local communities but has also played a crucial role in generating foreign currency and reducing the country’s reliance on imported goods. This 20-year journey, she noted, serves as a powerful reflection of the national vision to attain an Upper Middle-Income Society by 2030 through sustainable local enterprise development and inclusive economic growth.

The Minister further highlighted the deep-seated interconnection between the manufacturing and tourism sectors, noting that a “Whole of Government Approach” is essential for driving the hospitality industry forward. The economic data shared by the Minister painted a picture of a booming sector; during the first quarter of 2026, international tourist arrivals in Zimbabwe surged by 11 percent, while domestic tourism trips saw a remarkable 35 percent increase. Perhaps most impressively, tourism investments recorded a staggering 438 percent growth, a clear indicator of rising investor confidence in the country’s stability and potential.

Minister Rwodzi commended Luipardal Managing Director Mr. Elton Muzembe and his team for their continuous operational expansion, which continues to inspire other local businesses to join the growing tourism economy. The celebration was attended by a high-level delegation of industry leaders, including the Secretary for Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Dr. Takaruza Munyanyiwa, and Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Board Chairman Mr. Farai Chimba.

Also present were ZTA Chief Executive Officer Dr. George Manyaya and Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe President Ms. Emma Kativhu. Together, these leaders acknowledged that companies like Luipardal are the silent engines of the tourism product, ensuring that the Zimbabwean brand remains synonymous with luxury, sustainability, and authentic local craftsmanship.