News / National
Tour operator pumps US$2,1 million into aviation project
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In a significant boost to Zimbabwe's tourism industry, the Zambezi Helicopter Company (ZHC), part of Shearwater Adventures, has invested over US$2 million in constructing a state-of-the-art aviation facility in Victoria Falls, as part of efforts to contribute to the country's ambitious goal of growing its tourism sector to US$5 billion.
The new facility, located in the Chinotimba Industrial Area, marks the company's relocation from its previous site near the Elephant Hills Hotel. Construction began in September 2023, and the facility is now nearing completion, with an official opening set for May 2025.
The ultra-modern complex includes an Air Management Organisation (AMO), an administrative block, three operational helipads, two maintenance helipads, a restaurant, a VIP lounge, briefing rooms, helicopter hangars, fuel facilities, and a newly constructed road network. Additionally, the site will provide pilot training programs and helicopter maintenance services for external companies, which is expected to generate significant employment opportunities for the local community.
Dr. Clement Mukwasi, the Public Relations Manager for Shearwater, emphasized that this development was driven by the need to expand operations to meet increasing demand within the tourism sector.
"We have been operating helicopters near the Elephant Hills Hotel, but with our expanded operations and a growing market, relocating to the Chinotimba Industrial Area was the best option. The new location allows for better service delivery and the potential to increase our offerings to the community," said Dr. Mukwasi.
The investment also aligns with the Zimbabwean Government's tourism target of reaching US$5 billion in industry value. Dr. Mukwasi noted that the company's US$2.1 million investment directly contributes to this target.
"We started the development in September 2023, completing our environmental impact assessments and other necessary plans. While we were initially aiming for a completion date of June 2025, we are ahead of schedule and expect to open by the end of May," he said.
Helicopter flights in Victoria Falls have become a popular activity for both international and domestic tourists, with many choosing to explore the scenic beauty of the falls from the sky. The ZHC's new facility will help accommodate growing demand for this thrilling experience while providing world-class aviation services.
"We are confident in the long-term viability of this destination as photography tourism continues to thrive. Our operations contribute to an ‘infinite' product, one that doesn't deplete and continues to attract high levels of tourist interest," said Dr. Mukwasi.
He added that the development is part of a broader trend of increasing investments in the region's infrastructure, with other operators and hospitality businesses expected to follow suit in contributing to Victoria Falls' growing reputation as a global tourism hub.
"We are witnessing a surge in investment in Victoria Falls, and we believe more operators will follow our lead in bringing major developments to the city," Dr. Mukwasi concluded.
The new facility, located in the Chinotimba Industrial Area, marks the company's relocation from its previous site near the Elephant Hills Hotel. Construction began in September 2023, and the facility is now nearing completion, with an official opening set for May 2025.
The ultra-modern complex includes an Air Management Organisation (AMO), an administrative block, three operational helipads, two maintenance helipads, a restaurant, a VIP lounge, briefing rooms, helicopter hangars, fuel facilities, and a newly constructed road network. Additionally, the site will provide pilot training programs and helicopter maintenance services for external companies, which is expected to generate significant employment opportunities for the local community.
Dr. Clement Mukwasi, the Public Relations Manager for Shearwater, emphasized that this development was driven by the need to expand operations to meet increasing demand within the tourism sector.
"We have been operating helicopters near the Elephant Hills Hotel, but with our expanded operations and a growing market, relocating to the Chinotimba Industrial Area was the best option. The new location allows for better service delivery and the potential to increase our offerings to the community," said Dr. Mukwasi.
The investment also aligns with the Zimbabwean Government's tourism target of reaching US$5 billion in industry value. Dr. Mukwasi noted that the company's US$2.1 million investment directly contributes to this target.
"We started the development in September 2023, completing our environmental impact assessments and other necessary plans. While we were initially aiming for a completion date of June 2025, we are ahead of schedule and expect to open by the end of May," he said.
Helicopter flights in Victoria Falls have become a popular activity for both international and domestic tourists, with many choosing to explore the scenic beauty of the falls from the sky. The ZHC's new facility will help accommodate growing demand for this thrilling experience while providing world-class aviation services.
"We are confident in the long-term viability of this destination as photography tourism continues to thrive. Our operations contribute to an ‘infinite' product, one that doesn't deplete and continues to attract high levels of tourist interest," said Dr. Mukwasi.
He added that the development is part of a broader trend of increasing investments in the region's infrastructure, with other operators and hospitality businesses expected to follow suit in contributing to Victoria Falls' growing reputation as a global tourism hub.
"We are witnessing a surge in investment in Victoria Falls, and we believe more operators will follow our lead in bringing major developments to the city," Dr. Mukwasi concluded.
Source - the herald
