Renowned Zimbabwean comedian and actor, Victor Mpofu popularly known as Doc Vikela, has called on the country’s recreational resorts to forge mutually beneficial partnerships with local content creators to tap into their established digital markets.
Speaking after a visit to Palawani Lakeworld Resort in Zvishavane, Doc Vikela highlighted the untapped potential for collaboration between the tourism sector and Zimbabwe’s growing creative community, emphasizing how such alliances could boost visibility and revenue for both parties.
Doc Vikela, fresh from a tour of the agribusiness and tourism venture supported by Mimosa`s Local Enterprise Development (LED) programme, praised Palawani Lakeworld Resort as a model of community-focused hospitality. However, he urged resort owners across Zimbabwe to leverage the influence of content creators—comedians, vloggers, and social media personalities—who have built loyal followings both locally and in the diaspora. “There’s a lot that the two can benefit from each other,” Doc Vikela said. “Resorts like Palawani have the beauty and the experience, while content creators have the audience and the reach. Put those together, and you’ve got a goldmine.”
The comedian, known for his satirical takes on Zimbabwean life and co-founder of Simuka Comedy, pointed to his own success in growing a YouTube audience from under 1,000 to 23,000 subscribers by 2020 as evidence of the power of digital platforms. “We’ve got creators out here connecting with thousands, even millions, online—people in Harare, Bulawayo, Joburg, London, you name it,” he said. “Imagine a resort partnering with someone like me or a travel vlogger to showcase their spot. That’s instant marketing to a ready-made crowd who trust what we say.”
During his visit, Vikela noted Palawani’s efforts to create jobs and promote sustainable land use, suggesting that content creators could amplify such stories to attract eco-conscious tourists and investors. “I walked around Palawani, saw the lake, the setup—it’s stunning. But not everyone knows it’s here. A creator can do a funny skit, a tour video, or even a review, and suddenly you’ve got bookings from people who’d never have heard of it otherwise,” he explained.
Vikela’s proposal comes as Zimbabwe’s tourism sector seeks to recover from years of economic challenges, with resorts like Victoria Falls, Nyanga, and now emerging spots like Palawani aiming to draw both domestic and international visitors. He argued that content creators offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional advertising, bringing authenticity and engagement that resonate with younger, tech-savvy audiences.
