in parks among other issues, said tourist arrivals have peaked over the past few months.
The authority’s public relations manager, Retired Major Edward Mbewe, said a tour of Hwange National Park showed that both domestic and foreign tourists were flocking the area to have first-hand experience of Zimbabwean wildlife.
Although figures could not be ascertained at the time of going to press, Rtd Major Mbewe said the situation was satisfactory with tourists from the Netherlands and South Africa visiting the country’s parks.
“We are carrying out an exercise to assess the movement of tourists in our parks and wildlife population.
“There is a significant improvement in the number of tourists coming to Hwange Main Camp, Sinamatela and Robins Camp all in Hwange National Park.
“We have also asked these tourists their perspective over our parks and they have expressed satisfaction at our parks, contrary to some previous reports that Zimbabwe’s wildlife, especially elephant population was dwindling,” he said.
Rtd Major Mbewe added that water reticulation system and other infrastructure in the park were also in a good state. Boreholes were all functional while improvements had also been made in signposting, which has been described as a milestone that makes tourist movements within the park much easier.
He, however, underscored the need for an improvement in marketing strategies that would appeal to a wide range of tourists.
He said: “What should be done is to employ aggressive marketing strategies that appeal to all people in the world, now that we are moving towards 2010. This can be achieved through the use of websites and the international media.
“The sector has a capacity to make meaningful contributions to our economy and, therefore, concerted efforts should be channelled towards its development.”
*****
Rio Zim today (August 9) released its Quarterly Production Report for the 2nd quarter of 2007 in which gold production at Renco mine was up 5,36% to 6334 ounzes against 6012 ounzes in the comparative period 2006.
Quarterly production was up 15.21% (Q1 2007: 5498 oz). Year to date output stood at 11832 ounzes (Final Year 2006: 23798oz). Renco registered a decline in the treated ore tonnes of 4,23% to 61977t against 64714t in the 2nd quarter 2006.
It was however 1% above the 1st quarter 2007.