Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most iconic tourist destinations, is set to emerge as a significant player in the sports tourism sector. With its stunning natural beauty, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and rich cultural heritage, the Falls offer a unique blend of adventure, excitement, and relaxation.
The recent development of a new multi-purpose stadium, slated for completion in time for the 2027 Cricket World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Namibia, has positioned Victoria Falls as a prime sports tourism destination. Tunyafrika, a local tourism operator, is making significant efforts to promote the town as a premier sports tourism hub, rivaling the likes of Monaco.
“We welcome the development of the multi-purpose sports facility and are working to prepare Victoria Falls to become a thriving sports tourism destination,” said Dzikamai Muchemedzi, a Director at Tunyafrika.
The town already hosts the popular Victoria Falls Econet Half Marathon and is well-placed to leverage this asset to host internationally recognized qualifying events for athletics. Its strategic location and international airport make it an ideal venue for continental and international events.
Victoria Falls’ reputation as a premier conference resort, combined with its increasing room capacity, makes it an attractive location for hosting international sports conferences and events, a market currently dominated by Switzerland and France.
Tunyafrika is set to host a Sports Tourism Capacity Development workshop to equip stakeholders with the necessary skills to manage the unique demands of sports tourism.
Victoria Falls, which receives the highest number of tourists in Zimbabwe, must carefully manage the introduction of sports tourism to avoid disrupting traditional tourism. Tunyafrika’s workshops will ensure that stakeholders are prepared to handle the volume-based nature of sports tourism, which can significantly impact local businesses and travel agencies if not planned properly.
With its unique blend of natural beauty, infrastructure, and cultural heritage, Victoria Falls is poised to become a leading sports tourism destination in Africa, offering a new dimension to its traditional attractions.
