Improved regional air access and the planned relaunch of a direct Harare-London route are expected boost growth in international arrivals to Zimbabwe with Victoria Falls positioned as a multi-country gateway.
Discussing the importance of the planned route, Anald Musonza, Head of Sales and Marketing at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, said: “It offers a link into Victoria Falls and opens the floodgates of the European market into Zimbabwe. But, with the crisis in the Middle East, we hope that the June launch is still going to happen.”
The route will reinforce a crucial pre-existing market, he added. “The UK used to be our top source market. It has receded to number two behind the US.”
Intra-regional accessibility
Victoria Falls is strategically positioned within a one-hour drive of three international airports: Victoria Falls, Livingstone and Kasane, which Musonza dubs “the golden triangle”.
“Intra-regional travel has become easier with the Victoria Falls border now open 24 hours. It helps with late flights coming into Zambia and Botswana.”
This proximity creates a significant benefit for travellers as flights into Livingstone are often more affordable. Musonza estimates that 50% of visitors fly into Zambia and simply drive across the border into Zimbabwe as it accommodates late-night arrivals and business travellers staying in one country but travelling to the other for conferences and events.
Multi-destination itineraries remain popular with the most popular circuit being Victoria Falls-Kruger Park-Cape Town as well as Zambia-Zimbabwe-Botswana combinations. “We have seen more people visit Victoria Falls in combination with other destinations in Zimbabwe like Hwange National Park,” said Musonza.
Improved access from East Africa strengthens year-round demand, he added.
“We have a positive development in the link with East Africa, which is why you’ve seen Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways and Air Tanzania come in,” Musonza continued. “We have seen the same with Uganda Airlines, which now flies from Kampala into Livingstone.” This effectively turns Victoria Falls into a 12-month travel destination where international and regional travellers can move with increasing ease, he added.
Looking to the future
Outside of traditional demand, Musonza anticipates that the 2027 Cricket World Cup, co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, will compel major airlines to recognise the demand for direct flights into Victoria Falls. “As air access continues to improve, we are hoping that some of the bigger airlines will see a need for more direct flights, especially flights catering for attendees from countries such as Pakistan and India.”
