Tourism Month (September)
In many countries, including Zimbabwe, September is designated as Tourism Month, celebrating the importance of the tourism industry and its positive impact on the economy. Tourism Month promotes awareness of the role of tourism in economic development, job creation, and cultural exchange. It encourages both domestic and international tourists to explore different destinations. During Tourism Month, various promotional activities, campaigns, and events are organized, including discounted travel packages, festivals, and tourism conferences. Zimbabwe uses this month to promote its rich cultural heritage, wildlife, and scenic landscapes to both locals and international visitors. Tourism Month helps increase domestic tourism, promote sustainable tourism practices, and boost awareness of lesser-known destinations within Zimbabwe. It also supports the country’s efforts to achieve the $5 billion tourism economy goal through increased tourist arrivals and spending.
World Tourism Day
World Tourism Day is celebrated annually on September 27th, established by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to raise awareness of tourism’s role in international communities. The day highlights tourism’s economic, social, and environmental contributions globally, promoting responsible and sustainable tourism. Each year, World Tourism Day is celebrated under a different theme, focusing on areas like innovation, inclusivity, rural development, and digital transformation. Events often include conferences, cultural performances, exhibitions, and community engagement activities. For Zimbabwe, World Tourism Day provides an opportunity to promote the country’s attractions, reflect on tourism’s role in economic growth, and showcase initiatives aimed at sustainable tourism. It also aligns with the national goal of achieving a $5 billion tourism economy by 2025.
Osaka Expo 2025 (Japan)
The Osaka Expo 2025 is a world exposition to be held in Osaka, Japan, from April to October 2025, under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” The event will bring together countries from across the globe to showcase innovations, culture, and ideas related to sustainability, future technologies, and societal well-being. The expo will feature pavilions from over 150 countries, with exhibitions centered on themes of health, energy, and the environment. For Zimbabwe, Osaka Expo 2025 presents an opportunity to showcase its cultural heritage, tourism potential, and innovations in sustainability. Participation will help attract Japanese and international tourists while fostering global partnerships in tourism and economic development
World Travel Market (WTM) (London, UK)
WTM is one of the largest and most influential tourism trade fairs in the world, held annually in London. WTM serves as a global platform for tourism professionals to promote their destinations, build networks, and discover new trends in the travel industry. It offers exhibitions, seminars, and networking events, attracting exhibitors from over 180 countries. Sustainability and innovation are key themes at the event. WTM London provides exposure to a wide international audience, helping countries, including Zimbabwe, increase their global market share and tourism partnerships.
Experience Africa (UK)
Experience Africa is an exclusive B2B travel trade event held in the UK, focused on promoting African travel products and destinations to European travel professionals. The event connects African tourism suppliers with international buyers and decision-makers in the UK and European markets. It offers pre-scheduled meetings, exhibitions, and discussions on selling African travel experiences, from safaris to cultural tourism. Experience Africa enhances the visibility of African destinations, increases European tourist arrivals, and promotes collaboration between African and European travel companies.
Travel Indaba (Durban, South Africa)
Africa’s Travel Indaba is one of the largest tourism marketing events on the African continent, held annually in Durban, South Africa. The event showcases the widest variety of Southern Africa’s best tourism products and services to the world. It includes exhibitions, B2B meetings, and networking opportunities, with a focus on promoting African destinations and travel packages to global buyers. Travel Indaba serves as a hub for promoting African tourism, facilitating partnerships, and helping African countries, including Zimbabwe, position themselves on the global tourism map.
ITB Berlin (Germany)
ITB Berlin is one of the world’s leading travel trade shows, held annually in Germany. It attracts travel professionals and consumers from across the globe. ITB Berlin provides a platform for tourism businesses, countries, and regions to promote their destinations, services, and innovations in the travel industry. The event includes exhibitions, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities with over 10,000 exhibitors. It focuses on topics like digital transformation, sustainable travel, and global travel trends. ITB Berlin is a crucial event for businesses and destinations looking to expand into international markets, generate partnerships, and stay updated on global tourism trends.
FITUR Madrid (Spain)
FITUR is one of the largest international tourism trade fairs held annually in Madrid, Spain, attracting tourism professionals and the general public. The event promotes global tourism, with a strong focus on the Spanish-speaking markets. It serves as a platform for tourism stakeholders to market destinations, showcase travel products, and network with industry professionals. FITUR features exhibitors from over 165 countries, business appointments, seminars, and discussions on current trends in tourism, such as sustainability and digitalization. FITUR is a key event for increasing global visibility, especially for destinations looking to attract European and Latin American tourists, boosting tourism partnerships and business deals.
Tourism Satellite Account (TSA)
The Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) is a statistical tool used to measure the economic impact of tourism in Zimbabwe. It tracks the contribution of tourism to the country’s GDP, employment, and exports. The TSA helps the government and industry stakeholders quantify the value of tourism in the economy, monitor its performance, and inform policy decisions. The account collects data on tourism-related activities such as accommodation, food and beverage services, transportation, and retail. It also provides insight into visitor spending patterns and the direct and indirect effects of tourism on various sectors of the economy. The TSA provides critical data that supports strategic planning, helps attract investment, and promotes the sustainable growth of Zimbabwe’s tourism sector, aligning with the $5 billion economy goal by 2025.
Tourism Academy in Victoria Falls
The Tourism Academy is an upcoming initiative aimed at establishing a world-class tourism and hospitality training institution in Victoria Falls, one of Zimbabwe’s key tourist destinations. The Academy will focus on developing skilled professionals for the tourism and hospitality industry, offering courses in tourism management, guiding, hotel operations, and sustainable tourism practices. The academy will provide practical training, internships, and collaborations with industry stakeholders, helping to elevate service standards in Zimbabwe’s tourism sector. This initiative is expected to contribute significantly to the professional development of the workforce, improve service quality in the industry, and position Zimbabwe as a leading destination for tourism education in the region.
