Some of the world's top wedding planners are heading to Zimbabwe to attend the 10th Annual Destination Wedding Planners (DWP) Congress to be held from April 15 to 17 at the Victoria Falls.

Also known as the world’s strongest B2B platform for destination weddings, the DWP provides a platform to network with international wedding industry players, gain valuable insights, exchange ideas, and explore new trends and opportunities, said the organisers QNA International.

The annual congress, which is being hosted in co-ordination with Strategic Event Partner RSVP Events, has lined up several high-profile speakers for the three-day event. 

These imclude: Mark C Thompson, world‘s No.1 CEO Coach, US, Dr Bonita S Thompson, the world‘s No 1 Collaboration Coach, US; Dr Daniel Langer, the Global Top 5 Luxury Key Opinion Leader, US; Tapiwa Mukoti, the Founder & Managing Director of RSVP Events; Devika Narain, the founder of India-based Devika Narain and Company; Karen Tran, the head of US-based Karen Tran Florals; Matthew Oliver, the owner of UK-based Matthew Oliver Weddings and Morin Oluwole, Former Global Luxury Director, META and Luxury Digital Transformation Leader, among many other industry connoisseurs.

Mukoti said: “From a gala in the wild to a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, there are some amazing experiences in store. I believe Zimbabwe is a rare, undiscovered gem nestled in the crown of Africa that has all the potential to become a sought-after wedding destination.”

Kevin Lee, Founder, Luxury Events By Kevin Lee, one of the world’s most renowned celebrity wedding specialists based in the US, said: “Every year I get more excited to enter a new dream world of DWP. I always dream of mystic mother nature of the African jungle so getting to see all of that makes me so excited with the beginning of another decade of DWP.”

Simba Shamu, Founder, Amikam Media, Zimbabwe, the official Videography Partner for the event this year, said: “By being actively involved in this global platform, we aim to showcase the beauty and unique offerings of African destinations, especially Zimbabwe, as ideal locations for destination weddings.

“As a Videography Partner, we will have the opportunity to highlight the stunning landscapes and cultural richness of Africa through our work, attracting more attention and interest to the continent as a premier wedding destination.”

One of the world’s leading floral designers, Gideon Hermosa, Founder & CEO, House of Hermosa, Philippines, said: “DWP has truly become a melting pot of the world's amazing event stylists and designers. I'm particularly excited to explore and learn more about technology integration in the event and wedding industry.

“The introduction of AI or artificial intelligence in bringing forth more design concepts is intriguing,” stated Hermosa.

Zillah Chilowa, Lead Wedding Planner at Tangerine Co Event Designing & Planning , Zimbabwe, said:  “We joined the DWP Congress as a partner for the 10th Annual event because it is providing us with a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with wedding industry experts and thought leaders, network with other key stakeholders, gain exposure to new ideas and innovations, and contribute to the advancement of the industry.

“Collaborating with the DWP Congress and leveraging their network of experienced wedding planners and hoteliers worldwide presents a valuable opportunity to showcase African wedding traditions, innovations, and talents on a global stage.

“By bringing together diverse expertise and perspectives, this partnership can facilitate cultural exchange, foster creativity, and create economic prospects within the wedding industry.”

Tami Walker, Founder, Tami Walker Fine Art Photography , Zimbabwe, one of the Congress’s supporting partner, said: “As a Victoria Falls resident and a photographer, I have seen all corners and surrounds of this beautiful little city. So, I know how stunning Victoria Falls is as a destination, most especially as a wedding destination.

“One does not get a more perfect paradise to spend one's most important day of their life. To be able to support the DWP Congress in any way to try and promote Victoria Falls as a destination is my honour. “I expect that all attendees will be blown away by their jam-packed itinerary,” noted Walker.

Sidh NC, Director, QNA International, said: “At the DWP Congress, we're dedicated to shaping the future of destination weddings, one extraordinary event at a time."

"We look forward to jointly creating conferences that will set new benchmarks worldwide,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service