Antony Chawagarira
MASVINGO — Air Zimbabwe has launched a new Harare-Masvingo-Victoria Falls route, a development expected to boost tourism, investment and business connectivity in Masvingo Province.
The inaugural flight arrived in Masvingo this morning, with the province’s leadership and Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbra Rwodzi welcoming the aircraft.
The new route comes as Masvingo prepares to host the 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo, which brings together tourism stakeholders, investors, exhibitors and visitors from Zimbabwe, Africa and beyond.
The provincial leadership said the new air link would enhance the movement of tourists and business travellers while strengthening Masvingo’s position on Zimbabwe’s tourism corridor.
Masvingo is home to the Great Zimbabwe National Monument and several other cultural, historical and natural attractions, making improved air connectivity critical to unlocking the province’s tourism potential.
The route directly links Masvingo with Harare and Victoria Falls, creating opportunities for increased tourist arrivals, investment, trade and employment.
The development is also expected to facilitate business travel and improve access to markets, further supporting the province’s economic growth ambitions.
The provincial leadership expressed gratitude to President Emmerson Mnangagwa for supporting initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and connectivity as the country works towards Vision 2030.
The launch is seen as more than an aviation development, with authorities describing it as a major step towards positioning Masvingo as an accessible tourism and investment destination.
Masvingo has set a target of attaining an US$8 billion provincial economy by 2030, with tourism expected to play a key role in achieving the ambitious goal.
The new route is therefore expected to complement ongoing efforts to open up the province, attract investment and integrate Masvingo into Zimbabwe’s broader tourism and economic development network.
