shloboe boe
Leonard Ncube, leonard.ncube@chronicle.co.zw
VICTORIA Falls, Zimbabwe’s prime tourist destination, received a star-studded festive season boost as South African rugby captain Siya Kolisi and local businessman Wicknell Chivhayo, among other high-profile figures, visited the resort city over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
Chivhayo, also known for his philanthropic acts, captured the hearts of locals when he shared videos and photos on social media of himself handing out US$100 notes to ordinary citizens and a traditional dance group at the Victoria Falls International Airport.
He spent Christmas Day in the resort city and departed on December 28, staying at a private hotel along the Zambezi River.
Kolisi, who captained the Springboks to victory in both the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups, remained in Victoria Falls into the New Year. He also stayed at a local private hotel and was seen enjoying various activities, including a tour of the Victoria Falls Bridge. Kolisi and his family sampled several of the city’s famous attractions and took part in cultural experiences, including dancing with a traditional group at the airport.
In a memorable moment, Kolisi joined the closing act at Simunye Arts, where he danced on stage alongside the performers. He also engaged with local rugby youngsters, as part of his visit with the Tag Rugby Trust.
Victoria Falls has long been a favourite destination for both global celebrities and sports stars, drawn by its awe-inspiring natural beauty and unique offerings. Over the years, the destination has hosted numerous famous personalities, including Hollywood stars such as Paris Hilton, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Steve Harvey, as well as sports icons like Barcelona’s Rayco Garcia as well as Dutch greats Edgar Davids and Patrick Kluivert.
The destination has also welcomed heads of state and government, including Patrice Travoada of Sao Tome and Principe, Equatorial Guinea’s Vice-President Teodoro Nguemab Obiang Mangue, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko, and Prince Edward of Wales.
In 2023, Victoria Falls also hosted prominent figures like Miss Universe World 2023 Sheyniss Palacios from Nicaragua and celebrity chef Carla Hall from the United States.
The growing number of high-profile visitors highlights Zimbabwe’s ongoing efforts to promote tourism as a key contributor to the nation’s economy. Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) provincial manager for Matabeleland North Daniel Mumpande said Victoria Falls continues to appeal as a premier tourist destination of choice.
“The destination continues to attract big names and we are likely to see this more often with the construction of the cricket stadium in Masuwe under the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry,” he said.
This underlines efforts by the Second Republic to promote tourism as a draw card to attract more visitors into the country and contribute to Zimbabwe’s gross domestic product in terms of tourist arrivals and bookings.
Celebrities love Victoria Falls for various reasons including the destination’s unique status as home to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the pristine nature where the city offers a natural view of the interaction between humans and wildlife, the presence of traditional and world-class eateries and hide out hotels where one gets an undisturbed, private stay.
daniel chigunwe
