From April 15 to 17, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe hosted the 10th anniversary edition of the Destination Wedding Planners Congress (DWP), a premier B2B platform for wedding industry professionals. This significant event attracted over 350 guests from 70 countries, with RSVP Events as the host and organizers. This was the first time the DWP Congress took place in Africa, marking a new chapter in its decade-long history.
A Landmark Event in Zimbabwe
RSVP Events, founded by Tapiwa Mukoti in 2012, specialises in destination weddings and luxury events in Zimbabwe. The company’s reputation for excellence and professionalism made them the ideal hosts for this groundbreaking event. The congress not only highlighted Zimbabwe as a premier destination for weddings but also showcased the country’s diverse offerings and cultural experiences.
The three-day congress was filled with a variety of engaging activities. The event began with a cocktail party at the Victoria Falls Rainforest, followed by a sunset gathering at Lookout Cafe, featuring a 600-drone light show by LumaSky, the largest drone show in Southern Africa. The second day included conferencing, B2B meetings, and exhibitions at the Old Kingdom Hotel. Delegates enjoyed a BushTracks train ride, watching the sunset from the historic Victoria Falls Bridge, before concluding with a gala dinner at the Victoria Falls Train Station under a clear tent. The final day continued with more conference sessions and ended with a sunset cruise and closing party hosted by Pure Africa.
Recognising Key Players and Organisers
QNA International LLC, a renowned global B2B event organiser based in Dubai and India, has been instrumental in driving innovation in event management since 2004. This dynamic multicultural team brought together industry professionals and key speakers like Kevin Lee, Ali Bakhtiar, Lefteris Tsoukalas, Karen Tran, Nadia Duran, and Tapiwa Mukoti.
The success of DWP in Zimbabwe demonstrates the country’s potential as a luxury destination for weddings and tourism. The event garnered praise for its well-orchestrated schedule, engaging activities, and unique experiences. It also served as a gateway for Zimbabwe to establish itself on the global stage, attracting the attention of international wedding planners and luxury event specialists.
Economic and Tourism Impact
The hosting of the DWP Congress in Zimbabwe has had significant implications for the country’s tourism and economic growth. By bringing luxury weddings and event planners to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe gains exposure and credibility in the industry. The impact is not only limited to the event itself; the buzz created by the congress has already led to three weddings being booked in Victoria Falls this year, with potential for more in the future.
The event’s success signals a shift in perception about Zimbabwe as a tourism destination. The congress has opened doors for further growth in the luxury wedding market and highlighted other scenic locations in Zimbabwe, such as the Eastern Highlands, Nyanga, Chimanimani, Vumba, Kariba, Chiredzi, and Matopos.
Testimonials and Recognition
The positive feedback from delegates and speakers underscores the significance of the DWP Congress in Zimbabwe. Funke Bucknor, founder of Zapphire Events in Nigeria, praised the event’s organization, cultural diversity, and immersive experiences. Christina Holt, founder of Wedding Concepts in South Africa, highlighted the importance of exploring Africa’s potential in the luxury wedding market, while Tawanda Sims, from Elite Events by Tawanda in the USA, rated the event as exceeding expectations.
Tapiwa Mukoti, the founder of RSVP Events, expressed gratitude to the government departments and agencies that supported the congress, including Immigration of Zimbabwe, the Ministry of Defence, the Zimbabwe Air Force, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife, and the Airports Company of Zimbabwe.
The Future of Weddings in Zimbabwe
The legacy of the 2024 DWP Congress in Zimbabwe will undoubtedly influence the future of the luxury wedding industry. By hosting such a landmark event, Zimbabwe has positioned itself as a premier destination for discerning couples seeking unique wedding experiences. The congress’s success is a testament to the country’s beauty, culture, and potential for business growth, opening new doors for the industry and creating a ripple effect that will resonate for years to come.
