Organized by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) under the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, the Expo brought together international buyers and Zimbabwean tourism stakeholders for business-to-business engagements and destination experiences. The hosted-buyer program included 10 Indian travel professionals, primarily from the luxury and MICE segments, led by Zimbabwe’s Tourism Attaché in India, Sophia Hope T. Chimba.
Niloofer Patel, Director, Global Destinations, said: “Having experienced Zimbabwe first-hand through the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, what stood out most was the incredible diversity of the destination. Beyond the iconic Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe offers remarkable wildlife, ancient heritage, breathtaking landscapes and authentic experiences that appeal strongly to luxury and experiential travellers. I believe Indian travellers will be pleasantly surprised by the depth and variety of experiences Zimbabwe has to offer.”
The programme offered the Indian delegation an opportunity to experience Zimbabwe’s diverse tourism offering first-hand, while discovering new products and experiences that could be incorporated into itineraries for the Indian market.
Discovering Zimbabwe beyond the conventional circuit
The delegation travelled through Zimbabwe’s South-Eastern Lowveld, including Chiredzi and Triangle, experiencing the wilderness of Gonarezhou National Park and the dramatic Chilojo Cliffs. The region highlighted Zimbabwe’s potential for exclusive safaris, conservation-led experiences, spectacular landscapes and less-explored destinations.
The journey continued to Great Zimbabwe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an extraordinary example of ancient African architecture and civilization. The Great Enclosure, constructed from granite blocks without mortar, offered the Indian buyers an opportunity to experience Zimbabwe’s rich heritage alongside its renowned wildlife and natural attractions.
At Lake Mutirikwi, the delegation experienced a scenic lake cruise accompanied by rhino sightings, further demonstrating the potential of Masvingo Province as an offbeat addition to Zimbabwe itineraries combining heritage, wildlife and leisure.
Business meets opportunity
At Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe, the Indian buyers participated in B2B meetings with Zimbabwean DMCs, tour operators, hotels and other tourism stakeholders. The interactions provided opportunities to establish commercial relationships, strengthen partnerships and explore packages tailored to the Indian outbound market.
For the luxury and MICE segments, Zimbabwe offers opportunities to develop tailor-made itineraries combining premium accommodation, wildlife, adventure, heritage, incentive travel and exclusive experiences.
Victoria Falls: Adventure, hospitality and experiences
The program concluded in Victoria Falls, where the delegation experienced the destination beyond sightseeing. Activities included jet boating on the Zambezi River, Gorge Swing and Zipline adventures, a scenic flight over Victoria Falls and a sunset cruise along the Zambezi.
The delegation also experienced Zimbabwean hospitality across properties including Elephant Hills Resort, Mbano Manor Boutique Hotel, Palm River Hotel, Waterfalls Lodge, Victoria Falls Deluxe Suites and Cresta Sprayview. Culinary experiences, entertainment and Indian-friendly dining further demonstrated the destination’s readiness to welcome the growing Indian market.
Wildlife and experiential offerings, including lion and cheetah encounters, added another dimension to the Victoria Falls experience, reinforcing the destination’s potential to combine adventure, wildlife, gastronomy, premium hospitality and culture within a single stay.
From cricket to safari: Zimbabwe looks towards India
Zimbabwe’s focus on India comes at an important time as the country prepares to co-host the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 alongside South Africa and Namibia. With India and Zimbabwe sharing a strong cricketing connection, the tournament presents an opportunity to convert sporting interest into tourism demand.
The message for Indian travellers is clear:
Come for the Cricket. Stay for Zimbabwe.
Indian visitors can extend their cricket journey into an unforgettable Zimbabwean experience — discover the vibrant capital Harare, explore the dramatic landscapes and cultural heritage of Matopos, encounter pristine wilderness in Mana Pools, Hwange and Gonarezhou, journey through the ancient civilisation of Great Zimbabwe, experience the scenic beauty of Lake Mutirikwi, and complete the adventure at the magnificent Victoria Falls.
With visa-on-arrival and online eVisa facilities available to Indian nationals, Zimbabwe is positioned to welcome leisure travellers, families, luxury travellers, groups, MICE visitors and cricket enthusiasts. The 19th Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe World Tourism Expo reinforced Zimbabwe’s ambition to deepen its presence in the Indian market and encourage travel professionals to position the country not simply as a stopover, but as a complete Southern African destination offering wildlife, heritage, adventure, culture and warm hospitality.
Experience Zimbabwe — Waiting to Welcome India.
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