As a Fifth generation Zimbabwean I write this newsflash with pride and a renewed hope for our next generation.

It is with immense pleasure that we announce, after a week of roller coaster emotions and undeniable anxiety, Robert Mugabe tendered his resignation at the final hour while lawmakers were debating his impeachment. Zimbabwe, and the world, was watching after closely following the events since Wednesday 15 November when the military had first taken the president into custody. The entire nation of Zimbabwe, including all displaced diaspora all over the world, never thought the day would come when we heard these words: “I Robert Gabriel Mugabe in terms of section 96 (1) of the constitution of Zimbabwe hereby formally tender my resignation as the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe with immediate effect.”

Throughout the process, tourism and travel to and in the country remained unaffected. Borders and airports remained open with all the tourist areas reporting "business as usual". We expect this situation to stay the same and will monitor and report on it accordingly. Tourism has sustained itself over the last 17 years and limped along under the oppressive regime, but it remains a positive source of income for the country and we can only anticipate that this new era will bring about the change we have all been waiting for. Victoria Falls, our home and Exclusive Touch Africa’s base, was alive with euphoria this past week. All Zimbabweans, black, white, young and old, joined the festivities and celebrated in a spectacular show of peaceful solidarity. What started as a small gathering of likeminded Zimbabweans who wished to show their support for the march in Harare, soon gathered momentum to culminate in a sea of colour awash with laughter, chanting, singing and dancing people for the rest of the day.

Lets hope this is the way of the future, that Zimbabwe will continue to rise and once again become a tourist Mecca as well as the Bread basket of Africa . I speak on behalf of those tourists who were here to witness this historical event – I hope they felt the pride of the people as they were swept up in the vibe and excitement – may they return home with a whole new respect for Zimbabwe and spread the word about our beautiful little gem in Africa. We are expecting tourism to open up even further in this beautiful country as many more travellers start to feel more positive about visiting a place we have always recognised as an amazing destination with so much to offer.

To all our loyal agents and guests, thank you for sticking with us through these trying times……feel
free to now spread the word – Destination Zimbabwe 2018!

Written by: Cheryl Hayes – Director Exclusive Touch Africa
(Photographs by Liz Lane)