Mercedes-Benz Brings 140-Year Celebration to Victoria Falls
Jonathan Sibanda
VICTORIA FALLS — Victoria Falls became a stop on Mercedes-Benz’s global “140 Years. 140 Places ” journey on Friday, as the luxury automotive brand brought its international anniversary expedition to Zimbabwe.
The delegation arrived at the Victoria Falls Bridge, where it was welcomed by traditional performances and Zimbabwean and Zambian tourism representatives, before continuing to the Big Tree and the historic Victoria Falls Hotel.
Representing Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi, Deputy Minister Tongai Mafidi Mnangagwa said the visit was significant for Zimbabwe’s tourism sector, particularly because of the connection between Mercedes-Benz’s 140-year history and Victoria Falls’ historic landmarks.
“All that, if you put together, tells a story. To us, all those things symbolise resilience, continuity.”
Mnangagwa said the visit also provided an opportunity for the international delegation to experience Zimbabwe’s hospitality, food, culture and tourism offering.
For Mercedes-Benz representative Michael, the welcome at the Victoria Falls Bridge was an unexpected highlight of the journey.
“I just can’t believe what’s happening here,”
he said, describing the traditional performances, dancing and crowds that welcomed the team.
The global journey began in Stuttgart, Germany, and has travelled across several continents. The Africa leg has included Kenya and Tanzania, with the delegation arriving in Zimbabwe from Zambia before continuing through Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.
Michael said the Zimbabwe experience had left a strong impression on the team and encouraged people in Germany to visit the country.
“Come to Zimbabwe,”
he said, highlighting the country’s natural environment, culture, food and hospitality.
The visit also highlighted the tourism connection between Zimbabwe and Zambia, with Clement Mulungushi, Regional Tourism Development Coordinator representing Zambia’s Ministry of Tourism, describing the Victoria Falls Bridge as a shared resource connecting people, places, cultures and heritage.
The Mercedes-Benz vehicles taking part in the journey carry stickers representing destinations visited during the global expedition. Victoria Falls was added to the collection during Friday’s welcome, marking Zimbabwe’s place in the 140-location journey.
Mercedes-Benz says the global drive spans more than 50,000 kilometres across six continents, with the journey scheduled to conclude in Stuttgart in October.
For Victoria Falls, the visit provided another international platform for showcasing the destination’s natural, cultural and heritage tourism offering to audiences beyond traditional tourism markets.
