eBusiness Weekly
Business Writer
With global media ablaze with Zimbabwean topics since the ouster of the country’s former president Robert Mugabe in November last year, the new administration can capitalise on that publicity to market the country’s numerous attractive tourist destinations.
Zimbabwe, which is known by many as the Jewel of Africa, given its good climate conditions, soils, nature and world wonder Victoria Falls, can be the world’s best place if the authorities remove the skeletons left in the cabinet by the prior administration.
Good marketing techniques, an open door policy and removing too many roadblocks are some of the initiatives that will boost tourist arrivals in the country going forward.
Given the promising nature of the new administration to remove impediments, tourists’ arrivals are expected to surpass 2,5 million, which is a 13 percent increase from last year’s 2,2 million.
According to industry reports many hotels have reported an increase in occupancy rates during the festive season, which is a sign for good things to come in 2018.
Hotel swimming pools were surrounded by flight crews seeking a tan in Zimbabwe’s perennial sunshine.
In December last year, Zimbabwe had seen the return of big spenders from our traditional markets in Europe and North America who came to see if Zimbabwe is now a safe tourist destination.
One of the tourists from London who identified himself as Peter Carl, during his visit at Mwanga Lodge Game Park in Goromonzi, said Zimbabwe still has a lot of potential to revive the economy through tourism but a lot of things need to be addressed to achieve that.
“When I see this country I see a lot of potential in terms of economic revival, especially in the tourism sector where the country’s leadership can positively publicise, assure tourists safety and enabling environment that can allow visitors to freely enjoy themselves.
“I came to witness the progress made after historic fall of old administration and I have realised that you can go as far as you want without any hindrances. When I came in 2014, I witnessed roadblocks after every 5 km which was not good for me but after the new President (Mnangagwa) invited the world to visit Zimbabwe I was encouraged by it and I came.
“To be honest I didn’t have hope to come to Zimbabwe again that’s why I haven’t booked to go to Victoria Falls or Kariba or Hwange as I didn’t have confidence with the old administration but with new developments I might as well visit the country again.
“I decided to come here at Mwanga Lodge as all other places where fully booked for the holidays,” said Carl.
Zimbabwe may regain the “golden triangle” — the London/Mauritius/Australia route which delivered thousands of visitors including carefree backpackers into the Zimbabwean market.
Zimbabwe’s world-class facilities and attractions, particularly its game parks and Victoria Falls, saw a dramatic growth of the tourism industry over the years when new players entered the scene.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Priscah Mupfumira, vowed to change the face of tourism in the next few years by removing the old image that has been put by the old administration.
Government has, of late, lessened a number of roadblocks to enable people to travel freely.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s open door policy and pro-Western stance is a game-changer to Zimbabwe’s tourism revival.
Zimbabwe’s most marketable products — its reliably sunny weather and its friendly, well-educated people — may encourage more visitors to come and bring back the country’s tourism back to peak levels.
