Business Reporter
DUBAI-based agency, Intervel Group, has pledged to redefine the travel and tourism landscape through tailored solutions, which the company is confident will put Zimbabwe on the global map and highlight the immense opportunities in the country.
One of the founding directors, Mr Tatenda Gate made the commitment at the official opening of the groupโs aviation school branch in Bulawayo at the weekend, which was also attended by officials from the Airports Company of Zimbabwe.
The new branch will offer aviation training and the full range of the groupโs innovative travel solutions, among them airline ticketing, airport pick-ups, hotel reservations, aviation training, car rental and visa processing.
The Bulawayo branch is the groupโs fourth in Southern Africa. Intervel Group, founded by Zimbabwean entrepreneurs Mr Gate and his partners Messrs Ronald Mhike and Chiratidzo Matongo, has a presence in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya and Zambia and plans several other openings across the region in the near future.
Mr Gate said his company was dedicated to transforming Zimbabwe into a prosperous nation in line with President Mnangagwa, and the countryโs Vision 2030 aspirations.
โOur expansion not only creates job opportunities, but also enhances our countryโs global presence.
โTo the Intervel Group International team, letโs work together to redefine the travel and tourism landscape. With our collective efforts, we will position Zimbabwe on the global stage and showcase its incredible opportunities,โ he said.
Travel agencies have the role of informing and offering consultancy regarding tourist offers, organising, commercialising and distributing available packages.
They contribute to the development of tourist destinations, greatly influencing market trends and needs.
Mr Gate said 2024 had been remarkable for the group, head-quartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates) driven by its commitment to excellence and innovation.
โI am excited to announce our new collaboration with the Employers Association for the Aviation Transport Industry, which will provide exclusive training programmes in Dubai to enhance our studentsโ aviation expertise.
โI take pride in our school, licenced by the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development. Over the past two years, we have sent numerous students abroad, and now itโs time to cultivate our own workforce here in Zimbabwe,โ he said.
The Intervel Aviation School will offer a comprehensive three-month course, including a prestigious internship in Dubai and with local airlines.
This provides the students a unique opportunity for hands-on training and exposure to the global aviation industry. The school will offer 12 courses covering cabin crew and ground services, while topics include aircraft operations, safety procedures and customers services and students require a minimum of 5 Oโ Level passes, including English language to enrol.
Intervel Group has partnered with Wingsway Training Institute, renowned for the best tutors in aviation service training, which will equip students with the requisite knowledge and skills.
This comes after the group earlier this year signed a landmark deal with Damac, a leading real estate company in Dubai, which showcased at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in April this year.
โThis collaboration highlights the immense opportunities Zimbabwe holds and demonstrates that what thrives in other countries can also flourish here,โ Mr Gate said.
Tourism is one of Zimbabweโs fastest growing and strategic key sectors expected to drive the countryโs economic turnaround and the Government has made significant strides in the implementation of the National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy, which seeks to grow the tourism economy to US$5 billion by next year.
The National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy is anchored on Zimbabweโs vision to be a prime international tourist destination based on the judicious and sustainable exploitation of the unique assets of nature, culture, heritage and the built environment.