The closure of the rainforest at Victoria Falls National Park by the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Authority (Zimparks) has caused ontroversy and outrage among residents and tourism players in the area. The closure was initiated to accommodate a private event organized by Destination Wedding Planners (DWP) in collaboration with RSVP, a local event planning group, as part of a three-day summit.
The decision to seal off the rainforest, a popular tourist attraction at the heart of Victoria Falls, has raised concerns among local residents and tour operators. Zimparks announced the closure through a public notice, stating that the rainforest would be off-limits to the public on Monday, April 15, 2024, from 16:00 hours onwards. This sudden announcement disrupted the travel plans of many tourists who had pre-booked visits to the park months in advance.