For two decades, creative entrepreneurs Derek and Debbie Gobbett built a distinguished career capturing the world’s most luxurious destinations—from the glitz of the UAE to the historic estates of the UK. Yet, after 20 years abroad, the call of the wild proved irresistible. The couple has now executed the ultimate full circle journey, bringing their global expertise and an invigorated passion for authentic storytelling back home to Zimbabwe.

Their return is not just a personal homecoming; it is a strategic investment in the future of African luxury travel and visual content, powered by their two enterprises: Press Play Online and the bespoke Destination Management Company, Memories of Africa.

The Global Journey that Triggered Inspiration

The Gobbetts’ professional story began on the banks of the Zambezi River in 1997, where they filmed their very first wedding. That moment set them on a continental journey that eventually led them to found Press Play Online in 2014, becoming known for their cinematic, engaging digital content. Their international portfolio is a masterclass in discerning visual marketing, with a focus on high-end property and luxury lifestyle. Yet, it was a major international assignment that sparked the definitive idea for their return. Debbie reflects on the pivotal moment:

“We were involved in an incredible 10-day film project for Tahiti Tourism, capturing the beauty, culture, and diverse fauna and flora. It was a real eye-opener and we thought: we should really be doing the same for Zimbabwe’s Tourism sector.”

Derek adds that their global work clarified what makes their homeland so unique.

“Filming at places like Dubai Parks & Resorts over the years really drove home that we excelled with incentive groups in Zimbabwe. We have the freedom, the incredible people for entertainment, and genuinely authentic cultural activities. Honestly, it’s all about the people. Zimbabweans are just incredible people!”

This global perspective, refined by projects like filming 14 holiday parks for Haulfryn Holidays across the UK, is the powerful asset they now dedicate to Zimbabwe. As Derek notes, their goal is to combine their love of travel, storytelling, and visual creativity to put Zimbabwe on the global stage—one film, one photo, one story at a time.

Birthing Memories of Africa

Hand-in-hand with their visual work, the Gobbetts founded Memories of Africa, a boutique Destination Management Company. This venture is built on the premise that true luxury travel is intensely personal, and the company’s vision is distinctly focused on reasserting Zimbabwe’s position in the global incentive and corporate travel space. And this focus is a natural progression of both Derek and Debbie’s entrepreneurial history.

“My first foray as an entrepreneur was running African Agenda, a Destination Management Company—the second biggest in Zimbabwe, after Green Route! We successfully ran incentive and conference groups into the country. Our biggest market was the UK and we feel quite strongly that this market has completely dropped off the radar—we need to win it back!”

Leveraging their deep industry knowledge, Memories of Africa takes pride in crafting tailor-made journeys that go beyond the ordinary. The team is now aggressively marketing Zimbabwe as an exciting and safe destination, armed with new facts to counter outdated perceptions.

“Zimbabwe has ranked as the Forbes top place to travel in the world this year, however, the marketing message has not been strong enough—particularly in the UK—we still have clients who question the safety of Zimbabwe. We have even seen this in UK expats living in the UAE when suggesting a travel programme.”

Beyond security perceptions, the climate offers a compelling proposition for the expatriate community in the Gulf: “It’s also a perfect destination for UAE residents wishing to escape the summer heat. Our winter provides the best game viewing experiences, luxury accommodation and world-class service!”

This combination of visual storytelling expertise (Press Play Online) and deep logistical travel knowledge (Memories of Africa) ensures every itinerary is flawlessly executed. When asked where in Zimbabwe they would like to film, photograph or curate itineraries for, Debbie weighs in emphatically:

“The Eastern Highlands, Mana Pools, Matopos, and Gonarezhou are just a few that we can think of we would like to film and photograph. Through our Memories of Africa Travel business, we hope to cover the full country, welcoming our international travelling guests to witness the jewel of Africa through carefully curated travel itineraries.”

The Return: A Creative Ethos for Victoria Falls

Settling in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe’s adventure capital, presents its own unique landscape. Debbie and Derek cite that their return has also required them to deploy their adaptive skillset and accustom themselves to the realities of doing business in Zimbabwe, including not having services access to the international banking systems they were accustomed. They do however share many nuggets for anyone, particularly creative entrepreneurs, looking to make their return.

“There is a lot of talent and ‘can do’ and ‘make a plan’ attitude here. The difference we’ve found between Victoria Falls and Dubai or England, is size. There isn’t as much a slice of the pie, so one shouldn’t expect to arrive and immediately find work! It’s all about making genuine connections with people,” Debbie says.

“For those looking to invest their global expertise in their home country, our advice is to focus on ecosystem-building. Before jumping in, spend time on the ground. Talk to artists, designers and local businesses. Focus on ecosystem-building—mentorship, visibility, opportunities—before profit. Like all businesses, authenticity matters—stay true to who you are and your authenticity will shine through,” Derek chimes in.

With their son, Sean Gobbett, a Zoology graduate, adding a new generation of fresh design appeal to the brand, Derek and Debbie Gobbett have not simply returned home; they are investing their legacy and expertise into positioning Zimbabwe as the premier destination for luxury, authentic African storytelling and adventure.

To learn more about Press Play Online, visit www.pressplay.video

To get started on your next adventure to Africa with Derek and Debbie, visit https://www.memoriesofafrica.travel/