New US$2.5 Million Helipad Lifts Victoria Falls Tourism to New Heights

VICTORIA FALLS – Victoria Falls’ tourism industry received a significant boost on Wednesday with the official opening of a new, state-of-the-art US$2.5 million helipad, signaling a strong upward trajectory for Zimbabwe’s tourism capital.

The facility was constructed by the Zambezi Helicopter Company, a partnership between two prominent tour operators in the city. The project was supported by the City of Victoria Falls, which invested in a new 800-metre modern access road to the site. The company has now relocated its operations from its former base off Park Way to the new site in the industrial area near the gorges.

The opening ceremony was attended by high-level government officials, underscoring the project’s national significance. Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona, who was the guest of honour, praised the helipad as a prime example of successful public-private partnerships.

“It resonates very well with the mantra of His Excellency Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa that Zimbabwe is open for business,” Minister Mhona said. “Transport, being the economic enabler, we’re happy… we call upon the private sector to also come together and partner government so that we have a number of these projects.“

The investment is seen as a major endorsement of Victoria Falls as a premier global destination. Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi said such developments bolster the city’s international standing, which recently included being named a “must-visit destination for 2025” by Forbes magazine.

“This new infrastructure is speaking volumes in terms of confidence that can be invested in Zimbabwe,” Minister Rwodzi said. She noted that tourism was the number one contributor to the nation’s GDP growth last year.

The project is also expected to deliver tangible local benefits. Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo stated the investment empowers local communities and unlocks new opportunities. “It will create jobs, enhance tourism and improve emergency response capabilities in the province,” he said.

This job growth is already evident at the Zambezi Helicopter Company, which has expanded from just five employees at its inception to a current staff of 60.

Mr. Allan Roberts, CEO of Shearwater Adventures (a partner in the venture), said the investment was driven by industry growth and a desire to elevate the standard of tourism in Zimbabwe.

“We wanted to set a new standard… the facility you see here is world-class,” Mr. Roberts said. “It’s air-conditioned, it has a premier class lounge, it can serve over a 100,000 people a year.”

He added,