How CPCS aligned aviation and tourism to strengthen air connectivity for Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls and Harare airports
CPCS supported Zimbabwe’s ambition to reestablish itself as a regional aviation gateway by aligning air service development with tourism and economic priorities. Working alongside the tourism, trade and investment promotion agency Wesgro, CPCS assisted the Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) in designing and implementing a programme that strengthened connectivity at Victoria Falls and Harare airports.
Summary
- Helped restore and expand air connectivity, reversing years of route losses
- Improved airline confidence through clear, evidence based route development propositions
- Built a strong link between aviation and tourism strategy, enhancing destination competitiveness
- Institutionalized air service development capability through governance structures and training
Revitalizing a strategic tourism gateway
Victoria Falls International Airport is a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s tourism economy and a vital hub for regional connectivity. As one of Southern Africa’s most iconic destinations, Victoria Falls relies heavily on international air access to sustain visitor volumes, drive tourism revenues, and fuel local economic activity.
In recent years, however, the airport faced significant connectivity challenges including the loss of key routes prior to the COVID‑19 pandemic and further disruptions during the global aviation downturn. Strengthening its air service network therefore became essential not only for tourism recovery, but also for reinforcing the airport’s role as a regional aviation gateway.
CPCS acted as lead advisor in the development and rollout of a robust air service development programme designed to meet this need.
CPCS’s mandate was later revised to include air access to Robert Gabriel Mugabe (RGM) International Airport in Harare. RGM is the gateway to Zimbabwe’s capital and bustling commercial hub.
Designing a competitive air service strategy
In the initial phase, CPCS undertook an in‑depth market assessment of air transport demand and service performance at Victoria Falls and RGM Airports. This analysis examined passenger flows, route performance, airline networks, and the airport’s competitive positioning relative to other regional tourism gateways.
In parallel, CPCS evaluated the broader tourism value proposition of Victoria Falls, identifying unique experiences, supporting infrastructure, and complementary attractions that influence airline decisions on route development. These insights helped shape a compelling pitch to both airlines and travelers.
CPCS also worked closely with regional stakeholders to strengthen the enabling environment for air service and tourism development. Targeted consultations captured private sector priorities, aligned expectations, and ensured coordination across aviation, tourism, and economic development institutions.
Implementing the air service development programme
Following the design phase, CPCS supported the ACZ and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) over a 20‑month implementation period aimed at restoring and expanding the airport air service network.
The programme targeted:
- The reinstatement of prepandemic services
- The recovery of routes lost prior to COVID19
- The development of new markets aligned with evolving travel and tourism trends
To reinforce long-term continuity, CPCS established the Victoria Falls Air Service Development Committee, providing a permanent platform to coordinate stakeholders, streamline decision‑making, and support sustained route development initiatives.
Building local capacity for sustained growth
A key pillar of the assignment involved building local capabilities to ensure that route development efforts would continue beyond the programme’s duration.
CPCS and Wesgro delivered tailored training to members of the Air Service Development Committee and organized a study tour to Cape Town (South Africa) to expose stakeholders to global best practices in air service development and airport marketing. Lessons learned were subsequently leveraged to support wider sector reforms and strengthen air connectivity efforts at the national level.
Positioning Zimbabwe for long-term airline connectivity
Through this initiative, CPCS helped drive the recovery and expansion of air services at Victoria Falls Airport and RGM while reinforcing the institutional and strategic foundations required for sustainable growth.
By aligning aviation strategy with tourism development and strengthening stakeholder coordination, the programme enhanced Zimbabwe’s competitiveness as both a world‑class destination and a regional air transport gateway.
How can we help?
CPCS supports airports, tourism authorities, and governments in restoring lost routes, attracting new airline services, and building sustainable air connectivity strategies.
Contact our team to learn more about how we support destinations in building sustainable aviation growth communications@cpcs.ca .
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