ZIMBABWE STRENGTHENS GLOBAL TOURISM TIES IN UK
Zimbabwe has significantly elevated its presence on the global travel stage following a highly successful destination showcase in Manchester, United Kingdom. The high-profile presentation was strategically hosted during the milestone 80th Anniversary celebrations of Ethiopian Airlines, an event that brought together 45 key travel trade stakeholders, including leading European outbound tour operators and travel agents. Zimbabwe held a distinct competitive advantage at the gathering, emerging as the exclusive destination presenter invited to showcase its national travel portfolio.
The interactive session provided a powerful platform to market Zimbabwe’s diverse and rich tourism inventory, with a strong emphasis on the country’s unparalleled natural wonders and premium hospitality offerings. Presenters actively engaged the UK travel trade by highlighting iconic landmarks, most notably the majestic Victoria Falls, while introducing tailored travel packages designed to appeal to modern European travelers seeking luxury, adventure, and authentic wildlife experiences.
The exclusive nature of the presentation sparked immense interest among the attending agents, triggering an immediate influx of inquiries regarding regional trade information and operational logistics. A major focal point of these inquiries was the upcoming Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe World Tourism Expo 2026.
Taking place in Masvingo Province, this year’s premier international tourism fair has generated immense anticipation. International operators at the Manchester event were formally invited to participate, allowing them to secure direct business-to-business linkages with African suppliers.
To deepen engagement and build excitement, the presentation featured a competitive prize draw that captivated the audience. One lucky UK travel agent won an exclusive familiarization trip to the luxurious Mutsviri Game Lodge in Victoria Falls, a grand prize fully inclusive of return flights. This firsthand experiential trip is designed to transform the winner into an authentic brand ambassador, capable of confidently selling the Zimbabwean experience to a high-yielding international clientele.
Building on the momentum of the presentation, the Zimbabwean delegation and Ethiopian Airlines representatives actively encouraged participants to secure early flight bookings ahead of the landmark expo. The international buyers leveraged the expansive global network of Ethiopian Airlines, accessing seamless connectivity into Zimbabwe’s key hubs.
The successful UK campaign has successfully amplified Zimbabwe’s destination visibility, reinforcing its status as an aggressive, highly competitive player in the international tourism arena and paving the way for record-breaking international arrivals for the 2026 calendar year.
