GLOBAL luxury and entertainment enthusiasts are expected to troop to Zimbabwe after Destination Wedding Planners (DWP) hosted its first congress on African soil in Victoria Falls last month.
DWP, globally acclaimed as a “premier B2B platform for wedding sector professionals,” marked its 10th congress in Victoria Falls with a three day event, which was hosted by RSVP.
RSVP, whose managing director is Tapiwa Mukoti, secured exclusive rights of the Vic Falls rainforest for three hours on the opening day of the congress.
Mukoti said a fortnight ago RSVP first courted DWP in 2022, culminating in Zimbabwe winning the bid.
“RSVP first approached DWP for Zimbabwe to host in 2022 and went through a bidding process,” she said.
“Zimbabwe was announced as the winning bidder for the 10th anniversary of the event in September 2023. After this all planning kicked into gear.”
At least 350 local and foreign delegates took part in the event.
“The event had up to 350 delegates, both local and international. These numbers included local and international suppliers and vendors within the industry as well as the world’s top 100 planners and industry gurus and other luxury wedding planners from over 50 countries.
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“The impact of tourism for Zimbabwe is invaluable with raving positive feedback from the best in the global industry with many already discussing potential destination weddings and other events happening at various venues and hotels within Victoria Falls this year.”
In a statement to Zimbabwe Independent, RSVP indicated several weddings would be held at Victoria Falls.
This, Mukoti added, underscored the growing interests of tourists in Zimbabwe as a tourism destination.
“Having these big budget luxury weddings come to Victoria Falls will be a sure way to see an economic return to the destination. The tourism benefit to the destination and country at large is also to be noted,” she said.
“It is one thing to attend expos around the world talking about Zimbabwe but to bring the world to the destination to experience it and have them go back and market the destination to their own is another thing.
“This event has broken a barrier for the nation and will open doors to the industry for the upcoming years. The perception of Zimbabwe has changed.”
“Organisers highlighted the strategic importance of hosting the DWP congress in Zimbabwe, not only as a tourism opportunity but also as a platform to showcase the country as a premier destination for weddings and highlight other scenic locations such as the Eastern Highlands, Nyanga, Chimanimani, Vumba, Kariba, Chiredzi, and Matopos,” Mukoti indicated.
The event featured a diverse range of engagements, including an opening cocktail at the rainforest.
This was followed by a sunset gathering at Lookout Cafe with a 600-drone light-show by LumaSky, the biggest drone spectacle in southern Africa and second biggest in Africa.
Wedding Concepts (South Africa) founder — Christina Holt noted that the event showcased the destination as one of the leading global tourist attractions.
“Experiencing DWP as the first global wedding conference on African soil — in beautiful Zimbabwe — was not only a memorable three-day networking and learning event but highlighted the importance of the luxury wedding professionals finally exploring the African continent,” Holt said.
“Experiential, authentic and simply stunning to introduce Zimbabwe to the world as a great wedding destination.”
Mukoti stressed that Zimbabwe’s event will leave an indelible mark on the global tourism landscape.
“The legacy of this landmark event in Zimbabwe will echo across continents, heralding the beginning of a new experience offering for the discerning luxury bride,” she said.
