Each Zimbabwe stand member was there to do their country proud, Ilala Lodge, Shearwater, Saflodge and Zimsun to name a few can all consider their jobs well done. The insurmountable task of wooing tourists back to Zimbabwe lay ahead of them for four full days and each exhibitor did their job tactfully and ever so subtly. There is fuel, it is safe, hotels are well stocked and the media do balloon small skirmishes out of proportion. Zimbabwe as a tourist destination is actually more attractive because it needs business, whereas destinations experiencing good growth tend to treat their visitors nonchalantly and don’t go out of their way to make tourists feel welcome.
However, the fact remains that every worldly citizen has an opinion about Robert Mugabe. For over 7 years they have been bombarded with news of Zimbabwe’s decline, rotting at the core with corruption and spiralling out of control with the World’s highest inflation. Granted, there might be stories that the media tend to capitalise on for sheer sensationalism, but these are outweighed by the facts. Zimbabwe is a shadow of its former self and people blame its president and, until he is removed from office, tourists will not change their mind about the country, no matter how valiant the efforts of Zimbabwe’s tourism players who are fighting to keep their doors open for business.
Fortunately we were representing Southern Africa, and as we joined the queue to board our flight we could reflect on a much easier job well done. It turned out that we had more than enough time for reflection as our departure was delayed. Being Zimbabwean we waited patiently to board our flight to Cape Town on a certain United Arab Emirate’s airline. The cabin crew casually called us to board 40 minutes later and we were off; bound for Cape Town via Doha. Landing in Doha later than expected a fiery exit from the plane saw us tearing through the airport to arrive at Gate number 9, ten minutes after the gates had closed. Blank faces met our desperate pleas as we pointed frantically at the Airbus parked a few 100m away. Eventually the screaming was acknowledged and an unconcerned finger pointed downwards. Perhaps the devil would escort us to the plane?
We made our way down a set or stairs and queued at the help desk with shoulders slumped, our plane taking off in the background. This queue was followed by another, and another. 2 hours later we were outside queuing for a minibus to take us to the hotel. Thank goodness for the balmy heat to add to the frustration. Back home we wouldn’t be short of minibuses. Eventually another hour later we collapsed into beds at the Merweb Hotel on Al Sadd Street trying to draw parallels between what we considered 4 Star. The Do’s and Don’ts of Doha pasted on the wall made the day’s events clearer; In Doha time is elastic. Do not get impatient waiting.’ That bought on a chuckle and a beer was called for, maybe two. After paying R75 for a pint of Fosters in the hotel bar it was decided one would suffice and a good night’s rest awaited.
Landing in Cape Town 2 days later than expected in a gift shop t-shirt that proudly said Welcome to Doha’ with a picture of a cartoon camel I was relived when a smiling customs official greeted me with, Welcome home. It isn’t home, but it will definitely do for now.
Rian Bornman
rian@venues4africa.com
www.venues4africa.com