August 23, 2024 | By Anita Anand Shah

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority roadshow, organised by BRANDit, made waves in Mumbai, attracting top-tier travel experts from the city. With a dynamic lineup of 11 travel suppliers from Zimbabwe, including leading hotels, attractions, and DMCs, the show offered a fresh perspective on a destination that many Indian travellers have yet to fully explore.

What surprised many attendees was the diversity of experiences Zimbabwe offers, with experts realising that Indian travellers can comfortably spend 7-8 days in the country without running out of new adventures. From breathtaking safaris to historical landmarks, Zimbabwe promises a blend of culture, wildlife, and scenic beauty.

In a conversation with The Digital Travellers, Honourable Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Tongai M Mnangagwa emphasised the growing significance of the Indian market for Zimbabwe. “India is quite an interesting market for us. The private sector players insisted the Zimbabwe government to move India from Category 3 to Category 2, which means India now comes under Visa On Arrival category. Indians can receive visa on arrival in Zimbabwe for USD 30 (single entry) and USD 45 for double entry. Moreover, Indians don’t need yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Zimbabwe,” he shared.

This development is a major boost for Indian tourists looking for new travel destinations, especially with over 17,000 Indians already visiting Zimbabwe in 2023. However, Minister Mnangagwa noted that most of these trips were short stays, and the aim of the trade show was to encourage longer visits, ideally 5 nights or more, to fully appreciate Zimbabwe’s varied attractions.

Lubaina Sheerazi, Director at BRANDit, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the company’s commitment to promoting new destinations. “BRANDit has always been at the forefront of introducing new and exciting destinations to the Indian travel trade, and Zimbabwe is no exception. Our expertise lies not only in bringing such destinations to light but also in adding significant value to both the destination and India’s travel industry. The Zimbabwe Roadshow in Mumbai is a testament to BRANDit’s commitment to empowering Indian agents and tour advisors with the knowledge and tools they need to effectively showcase unique destinations such as Zimbabwe. We are delighted to see such strong interest from the Indian travel trade and are confident that Zimbabwe will soon become a preferred standalone destination for Indian tourists.”

With the growing accessibility and interest in Zimbabwe, this roadshow marks a pivotal moment in the expansion of Zimbabwe as a standalone destination for Indian tourists, offering the perfect mix of adventure and culture.

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