Get to know us
Leading the ZimBackpacker AI Lab Team is Forward Mutero, who possesses more than a decade of experience in Zimbabwe’s tourism industry. Forward is a holder of a Master of Science in Tourism Industry Design and Development (University of Zimbabwe, 2025), awarded with Distinction. His specialization in Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption in tourism has positioned him as a pioneer in guiding tourism executives toward a smarter, more sustainable future. Forward has led transformative seminars and workshops that empower industry leaders to confidently integrate AI tools into daily operations and decision-making.
At ZimBackpacker, we believe that the future of tourism lies in the fusion of technology, creativity, and leadership. The ZimTourism AI Lab (On-Demand) was created to bridge the gap between curiosity and capability—helping businesses move from knowing about AI to actually using it. Through flexible, executive-focused coaching and practical demonstrations, we make AI accessible and actionable for hotels, lodges, tour operators, and policymakers.
Our mission is simple yet powerful: to create unfair efficiency and unstoppable leadership within Zimbabwe’s tourism sector. We’re redefining how the industry thinks about innovation—making sure every professional we train can transform ideas into impact, and operations into opportunities.
Who Is Behind the Brand?
ZimBackpacker is a proud family-run venture built on passion, purpose, and a deep love for Zimbabwe’s tourism industry.
We began our journey like many others—offering bookings and sharing our guiding expertise with travelers from around the world. But everything changed during Forward’s Master’s program in Tourism Industry Design and Development at the University of Zimbabwe, where he discovered the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in tourism.
That discovery became our turning point. We realized that AI could completely revolutionize how the industry operates—improving efficiency, enhancing guest experiences, and driving profitability. From that moment, our mission shifted from simply offering tourism services to helping the entire industry evolve.
Through ZimTourism AI Lab (On-Demand), we now dedicate ourselves to empowering tourism professionals, businesses, and policymakers to confidently integrate AI into their operations. We believe that by learning and growing together, Zimbabwe’s tourism sector can become smarter, more sustainable, and globally competitive.
Forward & Trish
Founders, ZimBackpacker
Address
1793 Mainway Meadows. Waterfalls. Harare
Contacts
+263 775 211 857
