By Kudakwashe Kutinyo

Local private sector players in the tourism industry have benefited substantially from accommodating COP15 delegates, with hotels and lodges experiencing a surge in bookings.

The influx of global visitors sparked an economic boom, generating employment opportunities, energising local businesses, and cementing the nation’s reputation as a premier tourist hub.

The Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Barbra Rwodzi confirmed that hotels were fully booked, prompting the tourism department to reach out to local private sector players to secure additional accommodation for delegates.
She said many people flocked into the country and hotels’ capacity was stretched forcing other guests seeking accommodation from private homes with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority.

“We are very happy about the Ramsar gathering, it brought more people than most of the Ramsar gatherings in the past years. We wanted to ensure that Zimbabwe is a destination of choice be it gatherings such as conference,” said Minister Rwodzi.

Victoria Falls played host to around 4 000 delegates from 172 countries, who converged at the Elephant Hills Hotel for the pivotal Ramsar COP15 wetlands conservation conference, putting the tourist resort town in the global spotlight.

Local residents also caught the entrepreneurial bug, transforming their homes into bed and breakfasts and opening bars to cater to the influx of tourists. The town’s stunning scenery attracted both international and local visitors, making it a lucrative destination, especially during holidays.

Recent statistics stated that Victoria Falls has seen a remarkable increase in visitor numbers in the first quarter of the season, with international tourists dominating the flow of arrivals.

The tourism industry’s impressive revenue generation is a testament to the department’s success, driving the country closer to achieving Vision 2030 and its goal of becoming an upper-middle-income society.