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Victoria Falls tourism on the rebound after easing of restrictions
BY AWAKHIWE KHUMALO
Victoria Falls’ leisure and accommodation facilities recorded 60 percent and above occupancies rates after Zimbabwe started easing of Covid-19 lockdowns last year, it has been revealed.
The resort city’s tourism sector took a battering at the height of the lockdowns, but Employers Association for Tours and Safari Operators president Clement Mukwasi told VicFallsLive that international and local source markets were showing a growing appetite for the city’s tourism offerings.
“After the setbacks suffered under the Covid-19 pandemic domestic tourists have started flocking into the destination,” Mukwasi said
“We also have seen that international tourists have started coming to Zimbabwe, particularly Victoria Falls, and most of them are coming from Europe, United State of America, Australia, and United Kingdom and that is boosting the tourism sector.
“We are moving in the right direction although we are still on the road to recovery although our occupancies at the time are offering above 60 percent of the industry in terms of accommodation occupancies and activity consumption.”
He said companies were looking at clawing back the capital that was lost over the two years during the Covid-19 era.
“We hope that this course is going to continue until we recover the lost revenue, capital and lost time, but the outlook is quite good,” Mukwasi added.
“We think that if the bookings that are there continue to go by, we are likely going to record 100 percent occupancies during the festive season”
Asian tourists, however, have not started visiting the destination in numbers since the onset of the pandemic, he said.
“We are also hoping that the Chinese and Japanese markets open up so that we get a complete number of arrivals from all countries,” Mukwasi said.
“We also still have concerns about people from Ukraine and Russia because of the post Covid-19 military conflict that is happening there or whatever is happening there, which has made it hard for people from those areas to travel to Victoria Falls.”
He said apart from pristine leisure, conferencing had also given the destination a lift.
“The government is also flexing its muscles and helping the tourism sector in ways that it can and we are hoping that it will continue with its policy of us having zero percent on capital goods we import as an industry and the value added tax on the activities we offer as that has been a serious enabler,” Mukwasi said.
BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
Blessing Waison and Fortunate Chidzivo took top honors at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon yesterday, as Zimbabwean long-distance runners excelled at Africa’s most prestigious road race.
Econet General Manager – Marketing, Mrs Tariro Muchena (left), and Finance Director, Mr Chengeto Moyo, present the winner’s prize to men’s marathon champion, Blessing Waison, at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, while Victoria Falls Mayor, Mr Prince Moyo, looks on
The event, which featured athletes from over 40 countries, saw Waison storm to victory in the men’s full marathon, clocking 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 16 seconds. He narrowly beat decorated Olympian Isaac Mpofu in a thrilling duel that brought thousands of spectators to their feet.
Godwin Katakura followed closely in third, completing an all-Zimbabwean podium sweep in the 42.2km race. The trio’s success came with bigger rewards this year, after Econet Wireless doubled the total prize purse to $50,000.
Waison walked away with $3,000, while Mpofu and Katakura earned $2,000 and $1,500, respectively.
In the women’s marathon, Chidzivo delivered a commanding performance, clocking 2 hours and 42 minutes to claim another major title in her illustrious career. Ethel Pangiso and Phillipa Dube completed the women’s podium in second and third place, respectively.
Rising star Wayne Kabondo turned heads in the men’s 21km half marathon, overcoming a formidable field to finish in 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 44 seconds. Kabondo pocketed $1,500 for his efforts.
In the women’s 21km race, Caroline Mhandu crossed the line in 1 hour, 17 minutes, and 50 seconds, ahead of Miriam Sibanda and Melody Kaseke.
The marathon’s inclusive spirit was evident in the 18km Specially Abled Races, which saw uplifting performances across different categories. Godknows Hamadziripi claimed the men’s tricycle title, while Samson Muroyiwa won the handcycle event.
Among the women, Stella Jongwe triumphed in the handcycle race, and Ratidzo Tomu took first position in the tricycle category.
Organized by Econet Wireless in partnership with Wild Horizons, the 2025 edition drew over 5,000 participants and spectators from more than 40 countries. The marathon route, widely regarded as Africa’s most scenic, winds through game reserves and offers spectacular views of the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls.
https://x.com/vic_falls_live/status/1941861569450725776?s=46
Beyond the races, this year’s event featured live music, traditional dance, health expos, and community wellness activities.
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