Chopper company fully booked ahead of UNWTO

Published: 14 August 2013

THE Zambezi Helicopter Company, which offers flights over the falls, is fully booked ahead of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) general assembly in Victoria Falls, an official said.

The Victoria Falls company has also pledged 100 tickets worth over $15 000 to the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry for delegates attending the 20th session of the general assembly scheduled from 24 to 29 August.

ZHC is a subsidiary of Shearwater Adventures and specialises in taking tourists for tours over the rainforest, known as Flight of Angels.

In an interview yesterday, Shearwater Adventures group public relations manager Mr Clement Mukwasi said they no longer had any open slots for passengers intending to fly during the UNWTO period.

"We are fully subscribed as we speak. The response has been overwhelming and we hope the trend continues even after the general assembly," said Mr Mukwasi.

He said the company launched their latest and finest innovation which is the introduction of extra-large 'Bubble' shaped windows which he said has vastly improved the panoramic views from the aircraft and greatly enhanced the client's experience of a scenic helicopter flight.

"These custom-made tourist viewing windows have been fitted to the fleet of three helicopters and now present unrivalled views from all seats in the aircraft," he said.

"This is an exciting innovation which not only allows for optimum viewing but adds extra shoulder space due to the windows protruding outwards. One can now experience the 'Flight of Angels' perspective first hand with unrestricted viewing capabilities to add to one's memories that will last a lifetime."

ZHC is the largest private helicopter company in the country and has been operating scenic tours over Victoria Falls for 15 years.
Meanwhile, Khanondo Safaris and Tours has confirmed that their three guest houses are also full for the general assembly.

According to the general manager, Mr Ben Tesa, the guest houses were fully booked in February.
"We have a long waiting list but unfortunately all rooms are gone. We have three guest houses namely Guest Paradise Lodge, Victoria Falls Deluxe Suites and Khanondo Guest House," said Mr Tesa.

He said the future for the tourism sector and the country at large was positive.
"We are looking forward to a bright future after the UNWTO. The conduct of our elections showed that we are a mature people and peace loving.

"There has been lots of infrastructural development by the Government and private sector and that is a positive sign, Air Zimbabwe is back, our airport is being upgraded and as we talk we are holding bookings for 2015," he said.

The company has also just added a third 120 seater sunset boat cruise called King Lobengula 111 on the Zambezi River.
- chronicle