Tourism and Environment

Zimbabwe to participate in the World Travel Market expo

Published

2 years ago

March 31, 2023

BY STAFF REPORTER

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) is set to lead a high-level delegation of tourism players to this year’s World Travel Market (WTM) Africa fair to be held in, South Africa as the country tries to cast its net to the international marketers.

The event according to ZTA’s corporate affairs manager Godfrey Koti will be held in Capetown from April 3 to 5

“Fairs of WTM Africa’s magnitude present Zimbabwe with an opportunity to network with international buyers, regional and international tourism boards,” Koti said.

He further revealed that South Africa has continued to be Zimbabwe’s largest regional source market with 219 141 tourists who visited the prime destinations in 2022.

“This year’s edition is expected to provide improved returns, as the destination continues to recover from the devastating effects of the Covid- 19 pandemic.”

Commenting on this year’s fair, ZTA’s Chief Executive Winnie Muchanyuka said destination promotion is central to everything the authority does.

“It will also be an opportunity to reach out to various potential investors under one roof,” Machanyuka said.

“As you may know we’re on a drive to attract investors into the country in order to bring investment into the tourism industry.

Not only do we want to entice tourism investors but we also intend to position the destination as a business destination under the MICE banner.

We are therefore, taking every opportunity available to fight for our space and attention. This fair attracts quality buyers and exhibitors given how geographically widespread WTM takes its fairs across the various continents. Thus, we wish to be a regular exhibitor at this and other shows of this nature.”

WTM Africa is modelled on a business to business (B2B) format where exhibitions for both inbound and outbound African travel and tourism markets take place.

The show delivers leading global events for the travel industry.

It is one of six shows in the WTM portfolio.

Launched in 2014 under the Africa Travel Week, the show provides the right business platform for professional tourism stakeholders promoting business with Africa.

For Koti, Zimbabwe will take the opportunity to invite Buyers for Sanganai 2023 at this year’s WTM Africa fair.

” It will also seek to have meaningful conversations with media interested in learning about the destination. Various tourism stakeholders have previously used the show to generate sales leads, launch new products, enter new markets, raise brand awareness, size up your competition, conduct market research, command press attention and develop and maintain relationships.”

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Zimparks launches elephant culling program

Published

3 days ago

June 3, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

In a bid to address the growing elephant population in Save Valley Conservancy, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has issued permits for a controlled elephant management exercise.

The exercise, slated to commence shortly, aims to cull an initial 50 elephants from the conservancy, which is currently home to 2,550 elephants – more than three times the ecological carrying capacity of 800 elephants.

According to ZimParks, the conservancy has been struggling to cope with the swelling elephant population, which has put a strain on the wildlife habitat and resources. Over the past five years, the conservancy has translocated 200 elephants to other areas, including Hurungwe and Sapi, in an effort to manage the population.

Zimparks says the controlled culling exercise is expected to provide relief to the conservancy’s ecosystem, while also benefiting local communities.

Elephant meat from the exercise will be distributed to local communities while the ivory will be kept by the State.

In a statement, ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo emphasized the authority’s commitment to responsible and sustainable wildlife management.

“We remain committed to ensuring that our wildlife resources are managed in a responsible and sustainable manner, for the benefit of present and future generations.”

In the community

Crocodile attacks claim 9 lives, injure 11

Published

3 months ago

March 13, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A surge in crocodile attacks has left a trail of death and destruction in Zimbabwe, with 9 fatalities and 11 injuries reported in the last two months.

According to a statement released by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), 49 human-crocodile conflict cases were recorded during the same period, resulting in the loss of 44 cattle and 60 goats.

The Mid-Zambezi region, which includes Lake Kariba, Angwa River, and Hunyani River, was the hardest hit, with 19 cases reported. The Central region recorded 14 cases, while 16 cases were reported in other areas, including Matopo, Harare, North-West Matabeleland, and South-East Low-veld.

ZimParks has urged communities to exercise extreme caution, especially around water bodies, during the current rain season. The authority has advised communities to ensure that livestock and children are not left unattended near rivers or lakes, and to take precautions when engaging in water activities such as fishing, swimming, and domestic chores.

To mitigate the situation, ZimParks is working closely with local authorities and conservation partners to raise public awareness and promote safety practices. The authority has emphasized its commitment to finding a balance between ensuring public safety and conserving wildlife.

As the situation continues to unfold, ZimParks has appealed to the public to remain vigilant and to report any crocodile sightings or attacks to the authorities.

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Lion found poached in Victoria Falls

Published

3 months ago

March 7, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A disturbing poaching incident has shaken the conservation community in Victoria Falls, with a lion found brutally killed and mutilated.

According to a statement released by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), a team from the Vic Falls Wildlife Trust was tracking a collared lion when they stumbled upon a gruesome scene.

The poached lion’s flesh had been removed, and its claws and head were missing. However, in a heartening turn of events, a second lion, an adult male, was found caught in a snare but still alive.

Thanks to the swift intervention of veterinary doctors, the second lion was successfully treated and rescued from the snare.

ZimParks has condemned the incident and vowed to work closely with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“We are worried about the increasing cases of lion poaching, and we will continue to work with the Police and other conservation partners to curb this challenge,” said Tinashe Farawo, ZimParks Spokesperson.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of wildlife in the area, with ZimParks rangers and anti-poaching units conducting snare-sweeping patrols to protect the animals.

As the investigation continues, conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts are calling for increased efforts to combat poaching and protect Zimbabwe’s precious wildlife heritage.