Zimbabwe scooped three gongs at the Pacific Travel Writers Awards in Berlin, Germany, on the sidelines of the International Tourism Bourse fair, one of the biggest travel trade fairs in the world.
It was a major recognition as the country’s tourism sector is getting back on its feet after the devastating effects of COVID-19.
Zimbabwe won the title of Destination of the Year (Natural Beauty in Africa) while the Minister of Environment Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Mangaliso Ndhlovu, rightfully received the Best African Minister of the Year award and Zimbabwe Tourism Authority CEO Winnie Muchanyuka earned the Professional Destination Management award.
Minister Ndhlovu applauded his team’s hard work and acknowledged the importance of Zimbabwe continuously impressing the international market.
At the ongoing event, fifteen Zimbabwe tourism players are taking advantage of the world’s largest travel show by promoting the country. The Ministry of Environment Climate and Tourism in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority have joined forces with various tourism industry players to maximize the opportunity.
The country’s ambassador to Germany, Alice Mashingaidze, has expressed delight in the quality and scale of the exhibition put up, saying, “We are happy to be represented by 15 companies. It is quite huge in marketing Zimbabwe and the quality of the exhibitions taking place.”
The ambassador also noted the delegation’s commitment to increase tourist statistics and revive Zimbabwe’s past standing as a global player in the tourism sector.
One of the exhibitors, Sharon Stead of Amalinda Safari Collection, highlighted the buzz around the Zimbabwe Pavilion, “It’s the most exciting part of the ITBs I have experienced. There’s been a huge amount of excitement around the stand. It’s looking fabulous,” she concluded.
