Victoria Falls has been called the backbone of Zimbabwe's tourism industry. The falls, which are over one mile wide, are known by the local Kololo tribe as Mosi oa Tunya, which means "The smoke that thunders."
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Adrenaline rush —
As well as being a site of natural beauty, Victoria Falls is also an adventure destination for thrill-seekers.
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Tourism boom —
While the number of tourists visiting Zimbabwe shrunk by approximately 700,000 between 1999 and 2005. the country is seeing a rebound. The direct contribution of tourism to GDP is expected to grow to $793.6 million by 2024 according to the World Travel and Tourism Council.
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Fully booked —
Hotel occupancy rates at Victoria Falls are also improving. The rate was 77.6% per cent in August, up from 62.6% in the same period in 2013.
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Famous visitors —
U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and his wife visited Victoria Falls in February 2012. This pictures is in Livingstone, Zambia.
AFP PHOTO/JOSEPH MWEND
Artistic touch —
The falls have inspired many artists, including Larry Norton who has exhibited in New York and London.
