In an exclusive interaction with TTJ, Her Excellency Ambassador Stella Nkomo, Republic of Zimbabwe, shared her aspirations and strategies for strengthening and enhancing Zimbabwe-India relations, emphasising tourism, trade, and investment.
Ambassador Nkomo outlined her primary goals with a clear vision: to promote Zimbabwe’s trade, tourism, and investment opportunities in India and enhance economic cooperation and development between the nations. She aims to increase Zimbabwe’s visibility and reputation in India, foster sustainable relationships, and contribute to the growth and development of both countries.
She described the current relations as robust and friendly, noting historical cooperation in healthcare and education. However, she emphasised the significant potential for deepening ties, especially in the areas of tourism, trade, and investment. “My deployment focuses on economic diplomacy, with increased tourism development as a key driver of economic growth,” she stated.
Experience Zimbabwe
Ambassador Nkomo passionately described Zimbabwe as a destination that resonates deeply with Indian culture due to its strong sense of community and respect for elders. She recommended exploring the Ancient City of Great Zimbabwe, renowned for its mysterious stone structures, and the rock art at Matobo Hills.
“The Eastern Highlands hold a special allure, with a mystical quality that beckons travellers to experience its enchanting beauty,” she added, highlighting activities like hiking, trekking, and exploring the rugged terrain. Beyond wildlife, Zimbabwe offers vibrant cultural experiences, colourful markets, breathtaking sunsets, calming lakes, and thrilling adventures on the Zambezi River, including world-famous white water rafting and bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls bridge. “See the real Zimbabwe for yourself – Aaiye aur Zimbabwe ka anubhav keejiye!” she urged.
Accessibility
For Indian travellers, Zimbabwe offers a visa on arrival, with single-entry visas at $30 and double-entry visas at $45. “Fly in, pay up, and get ready to explore,” she encouraged.
Current connectivity from India to Zimbabwe is available through semi-direct flights with Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Emirates, and other airlines. Zimbabwe’s accommodations range from luxury to standard, catering to all preferences. Indian travellers can enjoy a mix of Indian cuisine, traditional Zimbabwean dishes, and international flavours, with many restaurants offering halal-certified cuisine.
Ambassador Nkomo highlighted encouraging statistics, noting a consistent rise in Indian visitors to Zimbabwe. “In 2023, we welcomed over 17,000 Indian visitors, reflecting a positive upward trend in recent years,” she revealed. She extended a heartfelt invitation to Indian travellers, saying, “Get bowled over by our stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. Visit Zimbabwe!”
Addressing Challenges
Acknowledging the challenges in promoting Zimbabwe in the Indian market, such as limited destination awareness, absence of direct flights, and competition from other African destinations, Ambassador Nkomo shared her strategic solutions. “We are excited to host our annual travel showcase, Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, from September 12 – 14, 2024, and have extended a special invitation to the Indian travel trade for a familiarisation tour,” she said.
Furthermore, strategic social media campaigns and influencer collaborations will spotlight Zimbabwe’s unique attractions. “We are encouraging business investments in tourism infrastructure to ensure a smoother and more efficient travel experience for our visitors,” she added. Participation in travel trade roadshows and product training workshops, along with collaboration with other African countries, will further enhance marketing efforts and promote multi-country tours.
Cultural Exchange and Initiatives
Ambassador Nkomo sees significant potential in cultural exchange programmes for tourism professionals and students. “India has a very established film industry, and we want to leverage that by promoting Zimbabwe as a filming location for Indian productions,” she noted. Establishing direct flights between major cities in India and Zimbabwe is also a priority to boost tourism and trade.
Among the exciting cultural initiatives planned, Ambassador Nkomo mentioned introducing gastronomy exchange programmes and promoting Zimbabwean cuisine in India, and vice versa through food festivals. She also aims to showcase the historical trade links between Goa and Great Zimbabwe through heritage tours. “Our nations share a rich history with roots dating back to the ancient trade era,” she remarked.
Vision
Looking ahead, Ambassador Nkomo envisions a bright future for Zimbabwe-India relations. “We envision Zimbabwe becoming the premier destination of choice for Indian travellers in Africa, with a focus on wildlife conservation, adventure tourism, and cultural heritage,” she stated. Increased Indian investment in Zimbabwe’s tourism infrastructure is crucial for unlocking the vast potential of bilateral relations and driving sustainable growth.
