Leisure travellers come to Victoria Falls for a few nights and one unforgettable view. Conference delegates stay longer, travel in groups and often arrive in months when leisure travel is quiet.
That difference is changing the economics of the town. Hotel operators say meetings and events have become one of the most dependable parts of their business.
A year-round base
Zambezi Crest Hospitality, which owns a flagship hotel and several lodges in the area, is upgrading its conference space. Managing director Rumbidzai Nhema says business events help the group keep staff employed through the year.
The Leader Intelligence Briefings for Executive Teams
Learn about corporate briefings“Leisure pays for the view. Conferences pay for the payroll in February.”
— Rumbidzai Nhema
What the town needs
- More medium-sized meeting venues for groups of 100 to 400.
- Reliable ground transport between the airport, hotels and venues.
- Local event services: audio-visual, staging, translation and catering supply.
For local entrepreneurs, the conference economy is creating demand for services that did not exist at scale a decade ago.
Where this leads
Executive analysis for decision-makers and capital allocators.
- Opportunity
- Event services, transport, catering supply and training for hospitality staff.
- Risk
- Air access and the cost of flights into the region.
- What to watch
- New route announcements and investment in meeting venues.
