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Leonard Ncube, [email protected]

MORE than 300 wedding planners and hoteliers are meeting in Victoria Falls as Zimbabwe hosts the first-ever Destination Wedding Planners (DWP) Congress in Africa, rubber stamping the resort city as the world’s destination of choice.

Located in western Zimbabwe in Matabeleland North, Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is the country’s prime tourism resort boasting of a variety of activities, facilities and hospitality of its people.

The unique conference began Monday with an event in the Rainforest before moving to Kingdom Hotel Grounds, which although closed for mainstream business, was the venue for the three-day event.

This is the 10th Destination Wedding Planners (DWP) congress organised by Q n A International and RSVP Weddings and Events. A local event planner is the host.

All the 9th editions were held across the world in different continents and Zimbabwe is the first to host the event in Africa with delegates from over 70 countries attending.

This is the largest wedding planners’ congress and networking event in the world.

Ms Tapiwa Mukoti, founder of RSVP Weddings and Events that is hosting the conference said the congress showed trust of the world in destination Zimbabwe.

“This is the first time for this to happen in Africa and it’s exciting and an honour to be able to host it for the first time in our very own beautiful Zimbabwe and in Victoria Falls,” she said. 

“This is a three-day conference and 10th annual congress. The significance of it coming to Zimbabwe is huge because of the numbers as we have 70 different countries represented and we are talking about the top of the industry globally, which is an amazing opportunity for us to showcase Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls in particular as a destination,” said Ms Mukoti.

She said delegates include event managers and planners whose coming to Victoria Falls puts the destination on the world map as they would also become tourism ambassadors after experiencing the local activities, nature, cuisine and culture.

The objectives of the congress include promoting the destination as a location for weddings, networking for event planners and establishing global clientele.

“There is a link between wedding planners and hoteliers because people need accommodation hence we have hoteliers here as well. 

“So, this is a great opportunity for us to have this. We thank the support of Government and people knowing that there is Government support which brings confidence and business to the destination,” said Ms Mukoti.

Q n A International director Mr Sidh NC said the DWP congress has been held in different continents including tourism destinations and Victoria Falls became the perfect venue for the first African edition.

“This is the first time we are hosting DWP congress in Africa and we are very glad that Zimbabwe, in particular Victoria Falls, was chosen as a destination,” he said. 

He commended Zimbabwe’s warmth and hospitality with wider opportunities. 

“This is the reason why we chose Victoria Falls and we have more than 350 wedding planners from over 70 countries coming to experience what it has to offer,” said the official. 

“It’s not just Victoria Falls but Zimbabwe in general has potential to attract international weddings to come and experience first time what Zimbabwe has to offer. We wish to see business increasing in years to come.”

A wedding planner from United States, Ms Josephine Baah, who is chief executive of Blissful Royal Creations said coming to Victoria Falls expanded her experience of the world.

“We have learnt so much about the industry in Africa and Zimbabwe. We were actually surprised how DWP put up a very important show for us here and also the experience is amazing,” she said.

“I am proud to be an African and experience Zimbabwe, the people, food and collaboration.” 

Mr Ali Bakhtiar who is president of Ali Bakhtiar Designs from the United Arab Emirates said Victoria Falls carries Zimbabwe’s beauty and challenged wedding planners to collaborate and bring weddings to the country.

Mr Keven Lee from the USA said he will be Zimbabwe tourism’s ambassador.

“Victoria Falls is absolutely stunning and magical. When it comes to weddings in Zimbabwe, the weather is absolutely delightful so I wouldn’t mind coming again here with my friends,” he said.