ZIMBABWE AND ZAMBIA PLEDGE TO ACCELERATE KARIBA TOURISM GROWTH

Zimbabwe and Zambia have officially reaffirmed and intensified their long-standing tourism cooperation, following the successful conclusion of the 3rd Joint Tourism Technical Committee (JTTC) Meeting. The high-level meeting, which ran from October 8th to 11th, was convened at the Caribbea Bay Hotel in Kariba and was officially opened by the Secretary for Tourism and Hospitality Industry of Zimbabwe, Dr. Takaruza Munyanyiwa.

The meeting was held under the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Tourism signed by the two nations in 2012. It served as a critical platform to review progress and cement joint strategies aimed at transforming their shared assets into a seamless regional offering.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Munyanyiwa underscored the foundational importance of the MoU for strengthening bilateral ties and fostering sustainable tourism growth. He emphasized the necessity of a coordinated approach to unlock the full economic potential of their shared natural and cultural attractions, including the majestic Victoria Falls, the vast waters of Lake Kariba, and the wilderness of Mana Pools (which is part of the Lower Zambezi and Mana Pools Transfrontier Conservation Area, LOZAMAP TFCA).

Key discussions focused on practical measures to enhance collaboration in areas such as Cultural Heritage Preservation, the development of Community-Based Tourism initiatives, and the creation of coordinated Historical Tourism Circuits. This focus on heritage and community empowerment is central to ensuring that tourism directly contributes to job creation and poverty alleviation in local areas.

A major strategic outcome of the meeting was the agreement to advance cooperation through public-private partnerships, the organization of joint mega events, and highly coordinated international marketing efforts under the brand of the “Zimbabwe–Zambia Twin Destination” initiative. This collaborative approach aims to reduce investor fatigue, enhance global visibility, and attract tourists for longer stays in the region.

The meeting concluded with the formal signing of the Agreed Minutes by Dr. Munyanyiwa and his Zambian counterpart, Permanent Secretary for Tourism Mr. Evans Muhanga. This signing marked a renewed and binding pledge by both nations to position the tourism sector as a powerful catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and cultural exchange throughout the SADC region. The countries also reiterated their commitment to expanding the KAZA Univisa regime, further simplifying travel between the two countries for international visitors.