IN a bid to strengthen business ties and showcase the unparalleled beauty of Zimbabwe, the Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG) is hosting a curated familiarisation tour for esteemed buyers from the United Kingdom (UK) and France.
This exclusive journey, according to RTG, will immerse guests in the country's premier tourism destinations, including Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park, highlighting the rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and exceptional hospitality that Zimbabwe has to offer.
“We engage with international buyers at various forums, including travel and tourism international expos such as International Travel Bureau Germany, World Travel Market (UK and Africa) and Onshow Solutions which coordinate the Africa showcase road shows," Pride Khumbula, the RTG corporate affairs and quality manager, said in a statement on Saturday.
"The familiarisation tour gets the tour operators to physically see, touch, feel, smell and experience the product. It arms them with the information and knowledge to be able to sell and promote destination Zimbabwe, and RTG with first hand experience."
She added: “This is an initiative which will benefit all players in the tourism value-chain as the buyers will consume services from various players.
"We want the buyers to experience the warmth and hospitality of Zimbabwe through RTG’s exceptional service and world-class facilities. Together, we can create unforgettable journeys that captivate and inspire travellers from across Europe."
The tour precedes the highly anticipated Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, scheduled to take place in Bulawayo on Thursday and Friday of this week.
The annual tourism expo aims to promote the country’s tourism industry and showcase its diverse tourism products and services.
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For this year's edition, 410 companies have registered to participate, including eight countries from across the globe, according to the government.
RTG said during the tour, the guests will experience the grandeur of Africa’s wildlife and the rich cultural heritage of Zimbabwe, guided by our expert team dedicated to ensuring a seamless and unforgettable journey.
"This tour represents a significant step in strengthening business ties between the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) and the Rainbow Tourism Group with key partners from the UK and France," it said.
"We are committed to fostering long-term relationships that enhance the value proposition for European travellers, offering them unique and sustainable travel experiences in Zimbabwe.
"As a leader in the tourism industry, RTG is proud to showcase its premium properties, including the 4-star A’Zambezi River Lodge and the Victoria Falls Rainbow Hotel."
The group will also showcase its tour operations subsidiary, Heritage Expeditions Africa (HExA) product and service offerings. HExA will provide all transfers, game drives and activities in collaboration with activity companies in Victoria Falls and Hwange.
The statement indicated that the group was deeply committed to sustainable tourism practices that preserve Zimbabwe’s natural and cultural treasures for future generations.
"Our properties and tours emphasize environmental responsibility, from eco-friendly accommodations to community-based tourism initiatives that benefit local populations," the statement reads.
"We are excited to share these initiatives with our UK and France partners, highlighting our dedication to responsible travel."
The familiarisation tour is set to showcase and educate the buyers on what destination Zimbabwe has to offer.
European tourist arrivals in Zimbabwe soared by 62% in the first quarter of 2024, reaching 47 064, up from 29 010 in the same period last year, as revealed in the ZTA's quarterly report, signaling a strong recovery and growing interest in the destination.
