Radisson Blu Leads the Way as Africa’s Tourism Market Expands

By Shingirai Vambe | The Post On Sunday

Africa is on the move — not just in commerce, politics, or innovation, but in the heart of its tourism industry, which is fast becoming one of the continent’s most vibrant economic drivers. From the Atlantic shores of Namibia to the misty spray of the Victoria Falls, a new wave of investment, infrastructure development, and eco-conscious hospitality is redefining how the world experiences Africa.

Across the southern belt, a closer look beyond Zimbabwe’s western border reveals a story of transformation — one taking shape along the mighty Zambezi River, where the thundering waters of Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke That Thunders”), continue to enchant millions. Just a few kilometres upstream, a symbol of this growth is rising, the Radisson Blu Resort, Livingstone, an upmarket hospitality project that promises to marry modern luxury with Africa’s natural splendour.

Nestled within Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, only five kilometres south of the historic town of Livingstone and four kilometres northwest of the world’s largest curtain of falling water, the resort stands as a beacon of Africa’s evolving tourism vision. Its location is as strategic as it is breathtaking, surrounded by untamed wilderness, wildlife, and the rhythmic pulse of the Zambezi, while remaining conveniently close to Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, a mere 15 minutes away.

The Radisson Blu Livingstone is more than a hotel; it represents a shift in Africa’s hospitality ethos, one grounded in sustainability, cultural integration, and community empowerment. Currently under construction, the resort’s design embraces local materials and craftsmanship, ensuring that the community not only benefits economically but also contributes artistically to its development.

The project’s vision goes beyond comfort. It seeks EDGE green building certification and has pledged to align with UNESCO’s Sustainable Tourism principles, setting a benchmark for environmentally responsible tourism in southern Africa. Once complete, the resort will feature a contemporary 174-room main hotel complemented by 26 private villas, offering panoramic views of the Zambezi’s calm waters and the surrounding bushland.

Guests will be treated to a world-class experience, from an all-day dining restaurant serving African and international cuisine, to a serene coffee bar for quiet reflection. The resort’s outdoor boma and firepit will invite visitors to savour the tranquil African night, under a blanket of stars that stretch beyond imagination.

For the adventurous, next door lies Safari Par Excellence, a celebrated activity hub offering an array of land and water adventures, white-water rafting, canoeing, helicopter rides, game drives, and sunset river cruises, all designed to immerse visitors in the untamed soul of Africa.

The significance of such investments extends far beyond the borders of Zambia. Tourism has become a cornerstone of Africa’s development agenda, a bridge between nature and the economy, culture and capital. According to Zambia’s Ministry of Tourism, the sector contributed 5.8% to the country’s GDP in 2021, marking a 35% increase from 2020, despite global economic challenges.

The momentum, however, predates the pandemic. In the years leading up to 2020, international hotel chains had begun to recognize Zambia and the surrounding region as prime investment destinations. Global operators such as Rotana signed management deals for luxury projects, while Protea Hotels by Marriott launched plans for a 241-room estate in Lusaka’s Bonanza area.

Now, as the world rebounds from the pandemic’s shadow, tourism in Africa is once again finding its rhythm. The launch of Radisson Blu’s first African resort in Livingstone signals renewed global confidence — not only in Zambia but in the entire region’s ability to attract high-value travellers seeking authentic, sustainable experiences.

The region’s tourism boom is also a story of collaboration. Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls town, just across the Zambezi, continues to flourish as one of the continent’s most iconic destinations. Together, the twin cities of Livingstone (Zambia) and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) have become a model for cross-border tourism, showcasing how shared natural heritage can be a catalyst for shared prosperity.

Visitors can now experience the grandeur of the Falls from both sides, one a haven of adventure tourism, the other a sanctuary of serenity and ecological preservation. Such regional synergy is slowly shaping a unified southern African tourism corridor, connecting Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana through shared ecosystems, infrastructure, and investment opportunities.

Africa’s tourism growth is more than a commercial success story, it is a narrative of self-definition. For decades, the continent was viewed through the narrow lens of safaris and wilderness; today, it is emerging as a global player in luxury, sustainability, and experiential travel. Projects like the Radisson Blu Livingstone embody this evolution, where innovation meets identity, and development meets respect for nature.

As cranes rise above the Zambezi and local artisans craft the finishing touches, the promise of tomorrow feels within reach. The resort’s foundation is laid not just in concrete and stone, but in the spirit of an Africa that welcomes the world, on its own terms.