Dubai — based travel agency, Interval Group, has pledged to redefine the travel and tourism landscape through tailored travel solutions, which the company is confident will put Zimbabwe on the global map and highlight the immense opportunities in the country.
One of the founding directors Mr Tatenda Gate made the pledge at the official opening of the group's aviation school branch in Bulawayo at the weekend, which was also attended by officials from the Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ).
The new branch will offer aviation training and the full range of the group's innovative travel solutions, among them airline ticketing, airport pick-ups, hotel reservations, aviation training, car rental and visa processing.
The Bulawayo branch is the group's fourth in Southern Africa. Interval Group, founded by Zimbabwean entrepreneurs Mr Gate and his partners Messrs Ronald Mhike and Chiratidzo Matongo, has a presence in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya and Zambia and plans several other openings across the region in the near future.
Mr Gate said his company was dedicated to transforming Zimbabwe into a prosperous nation in line with President Mnangagwa, and the country's Vision 2030 aspirations."Our expansion not only creates job opportunities, but also enhances our country's global presence.
"To the Intervel Group International team, let's work together to redefine the travel and tourism landscape. With our collective efforts, we will position Zimbabwe on the global stage and showcase the incredible opportunities that await," he said.
Travel agencies, in the tourist industry, have the role of informing and offering consultancy regarding the tourist offers, organising, commercialising and distributing tourist packages.
They contribute to the development of tourist destinations, greatly influencing market trends and needs.
Mr Gate said 2025 had been remarkable for the group, headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates) driven by its commitment to excellence and innovation.
"I am excited to announce our new collaboration with the Employers Association for the Aviation Transport Industry, which will provide exclusive training programmes in Dubai, enhancing our students' aviation expertise. I take pride in our school, licensed by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology.
Over the past two years, we have sent numerous students abroad, and now it's time to cultivate our own workforce here in Zimbabwe.," he said.
The Intervel Aviation School will offer a comprehensive three-month course, including a prestigious internship in Dubai and with local airlines.
This provides the school's students a unique opportunity for hands-on training and exposure to the global aviation industry. The school will offer 12 courses covering cabin crew and ground services while topics include aircraft operations, safety procedures and customers services and students require a minimum of 5 O'level passes, including English language.
Intervel Group has partnered with Wingsway Training Institute, renowned for the best tutors in aviation service training, which will equip the schools students with the requisite knowledge and skills.
This comes after the group earlier this year signed a landmark deal with Damac, a leading real estate company in Dubai, which showcased at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in April this year.
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"This collaboration highlights the immense opportunities Zimbabwe holds and demonstrates that what thrives in other countries can also flourish here," Mr Gate said.
Tourism is one of Zimbabwe's fastest growing and strategic key sectors expected to drive the country's economic turnaround and the Government has made significant strides in the implementation of the National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy, which seeks to grow the tourism economy to US$5 billion by next year.
The National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy is anchored on Zimbabwe's vision to be a prime international tourist destination based on the judicious and sustainable exploitation of the unique assets of nature, culture, heritage and the built environment.
