‘We Are Victoria Falls’ – an independent, public-private partnership initiative representing the tourism community of Victoria Falls – has been created to ensure trade partners, guests and supporters of Zimbabwean tourism are informed and updated on the destination’s management of COVID-19.

The initiative was formed under the direction of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Tourism and Hospitality Industry and provides verified updates on destination readiness, openness and progress made towards being able to receive visitors. “It is also committed to celebrating and reaffirming the value of Victoria Falls as a destination for tourists,” reads a statement from the initiative.

The Victoria Falls COVID-19 taskforce – which falls under the auspices of the ‘We are  Victoria Falls initiative and consists of both public and private sector players  – has been split into key groups to ensure a quick pandemic impact response to minimise the effect on lives and livelihoods within the tourism and hospitality sector.

Zimbabwe’s borders currently remain closed, except for essential services and repatriation, but its national parks, hotels, lodges and restaurants reopened earlier this month (July 3) for intra-district domestic travel.

The government – in consultation with a number of local, regional and international associations and organisations – has developed a comprehensive set of guidelines and protocols for the tourism sector in Zimbabwe. 

Feather in its cap

The tourism hotspot recently received global recognition, with Victoria Falls Safari Lodge named among the Top 5 Africa Resort Hotels in the 2020 World's Best Awards by US magazine, Travel + Leisure.

“For the operations team and all our employees, it is a very important accolade that endorses their commitment and energy to deliver such memorable experiences to our guests,” said Africa Albida Tourism CEO, Ross Kennedy.