Tendai Keith Guvamombe
Tourism cooperation between Zimbabwe and Zambia is gaining significant momentum, with both nations aggressively working to build a truly seamless travel corridor.
A high-level meeting in Livingstone, Zambia, saw tourism and border agencies convene to advance the united vision shared by Presidents Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa and H. Hichilema: that citizens, traders, and tourists should move freely and without difficulty across their shared border.
Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Tongai Mnangagwa, and Zambia’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Rodney Sikumba, led the dialogue.
This engagement follows the recent Bi-National Commission and the landmark decision to operate the Victoria Falls Border Post 24 hours a day, a development already hailed as a major boost for tourist flows and the wider KAZA (Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area) Tourism Region.
Harmonizing Systems for a Modern Experience
The meeting brought together key stakeholders from Tourism, Immigration, Customs, Transport, and Security agencies. The primary objective was to harmonise systems and modernise the tourist experience, ensuring a competitive and attractive destination for international visitors.
Supported by the World Bank, the focus was on implementing findings from the 2024 corridor assessment. Delegates thoroughly addressed critical gaps in border management, infrastructure, and tourism service delivery.
Both countries reaffirmed their joint obligation to preserve their shared Natural Heritage—including the globally renowned Victoria Falls—and ensure its appeal continues to drive mutual economic growth.
The delegates committed to developing a clear, time-bound action plan. This plan is crucial for enabling smooth cross-border movement, enhancing the competitiveness of both countries’ tourism hubs, and safeguarding the shared natural wonder for future generations.
The push for a seamless corridor signals a strong collaborative shift designed to unlock the region’s immense tourism potential.
