ed the country for this year’s Travel Expo confirmed that negative publicity in the international media has done a lot of harm to Zimbabwe. However, the reason for the negative publicity should, as any country’s tourism body would tell you, be identified and the incidents isolated, examined and corrective action taken to ensure that whatever the root cause of the ‘negative publicity’ does not happen again and the country’s image is restored. Of course, the massive political problems we are experiencing make this an enormous task.
The Herald newspaper blames the recent years’ reduction in numbers on Western countries’ “orchestrated campaign to discredit Zimbabwe” by issuing travel warnings based on falsehoods. Although foreign tourists often take their governments’ safety recommendations into account when planning their holidays it is more likely that reports and actual day-to-day news could influence their decision more often.
Last week an Irish tourist buying curios in Harare was arrested after being accused of being part of a plot to ‘deforest’ Zimbabwe. Last month in Chirundu elephants were inhumanly shot with AK47’s much to visiting tourists’ disgust. They witnessed first hand how the elephants were ‘kneecapped’ with several bursts of fire. And following the incident they vowed never to return to Zimbabwe.
While advocating Zimbabwe as a safe destination and saying that all is well with the industry could be a noble misdirection of the truth, it would be more to the point to advocate tourism in Zimbabwe as a means of creating employment and feeding hungry families.
Any visitor to Zimbabwe will soon be charmed by the warmth, friendliness and hospitality of the majority of Zimbabwean people and will quickly be made to feel safe. It is because of the unconditional commitment that people in the industry have to showcase their beautiful country that tourism in Zimbabwe should flourish.
Zimbabwe’s undeniably unique attractions cannot be found anywhere else in the world. By coming to Zimbabwe, every visitor to the country can rest assured knowing that they have made a small difference in the lives of the people they encountered who for that day had a means to a full stomach and reason to smile.
Houseboat Holiday
This week Venues4Africa.com have put together a special for families and groups of 10 wanting to experience the ultimate houseboat holiday. The package is aboard Utopia, a mono-hull vessel that comfortably takes up to 12 people. With the experienced captain and creative chef all that is left is to enjoy the sights and sounds of Kariba from one of the boats sun splashed decks. A brief outline of the itinerary:
DAY 1 – Flights to Harare (ex. Johannesburg).
Pick up from Harare at 14:00 and transfers to Pangolin Lodge.
Set on 8.5 acres, Pangolin Lodge is only 15 minutes from the city centre and half an hour from the airport. Good restaurants and shopping at Borrowdale Village are close by as is Sunriver Country Club for golf. A country style thatched venue, Pangolin is the perfect stop over before leaving for Kariba.
DAY 2 – Early 6am start after a full English breakfast at Pangolin Lodge.
Transfers to Kariba, arrive in Kariba 11am. Leisurely lunch as you make your way to Gordon’s Bay aboard Utopia Houseboat.
DAY 2,3,4,5,6 – Houseboat is fully catered for and includes all meals, soft drinks, local beers and spirits. 400litres of diesel is also included which is ample for the trip.
DAY 6 – Pick up at Marineland and transfers back to Harare.
Flights to Johannesburg. Includes all airport taxes
6 DAY HARARE/KARIBA PACKAGE – ONLY R4,950 per person. With excellent value for money this package allows your to make the most of Zimbabwe and have a truly hassle free holiday. Contact rian@venues4africa.com or call +27216836444 today.