 However, a call for change is fundamentally different to a call for action. The Tourism industry needs to be more proactive about pulling itself out of the economic quandary that it finds itself, at present. A blue print for the development of every industry should be outlined. This should be the first action for all potential contenders to office, instead of the repetitive rhetoric, that there simply needs to be new leadership and change. Potential voters need to be motivated to make an electoral decision and not be forced into choosing the only alternative, by default. For voters who work in the tourism industry a motivating factor would be to hear plans for economic development in tourism.
A blueprint provides the foundation for a standard method of communication; it displays technical drawings that document architecture and engineering designs. Such detailed and specific planning is crucial to any intense reconstruction, such as, in this case, the restoration of the Zimbabwean economy, and more specifically the Zimbabwean Tourism Industry. This challenge may appear insurmountable, but as we all know there is no challenge that great.
Tourism has been proven to be the world’s number one export earner, ahead of automotive products, chemicals, petrol and food. It therefore is a vital and dynamic sector of developing countries, and one that cannot be ignored, especially taking into account Zimbabwe’s tourism potential. Not only does tourism generate foreign exchange earnings but it also makes a considerable contribution to government revenues and supports local economies. It encourages employment creation, reinforces a country’s infrastructure and pumps money into all other economic sectors. Clearly, Zimbabwe is in dire need of all of the above. We have the motivation,  now we just need a plan to refill the bread basket of Africa.
In order for this blueprint to work we need to clearly define the support framework. We need to involve different players, both public and private and ensure that these work together in the achievement of one common goal and thus ultimately guarantee regional cooperation. Having done this, there are 6 key features of the blueprint that, incorporated make up the recipe for the success of tourism in a developing country. These features include Media, accommodation, attractions, transport, travel organisations, destination organisations.
Good media coverage is imperative to the success of any tourist destination, as travel plans begin simply with the knowledge and awareness of a destination. However, in the case of Zimbabwe there is a great deal of damage control which needs to take place, both domestically and internationally. Newspapers, magazines, TV and radio worldwide have not been shy to report the country in the darkest of lights, thus making it hardly appealing to any would-be tourists. A complete turnover is necessary and an effort to ensure the circulation of only positive reports should be made. In other words the country needs to become the source of all the constructive and affirmative media that will then flow from it.
The next key aspect is that of accommodation. Sadly, at present, the majority of hotels, lodges and camps in Zimbabwe are run down and some in a state of disrepair. This is detrimental to its tourist appeal and something needs to be done. Accommodation is usually the most essential aspect to any traveller’s plans and thus a need for appealing and exotic accommodation destinations is imperative. Herein lies the perfect opportunity for a quick turnaround as the infrastructure of most of these places still stands, they just need funds to be revamped and thereafter re-marketed.
Having found a good place to stay the next thing on any tourist’s mind is the surrounding attractions. These could be in the form of wildlife, parks, water features, landscape, museums, historical sites, restaurants, clubs, pubs, sporting facilities or anything else that is attractive to foreigners. Again we have the infrastructure and the potential, but these lie in pieces. The puzzle must be put back together as we need these attractions to entice people to come and spend money in the country.
There is no point in having lots of attractions when you cannot get to or from them. The next and possibly most pressing problem is that of transport. Not only is there a poor excuse for a public transport system, the severe fuel shortages have ensured that it is almost non-existent. Fuel is a major problem as people cannot get from A to B and understandably, this is a very real worry for tourists. To make matters worse the roads are covered in pot holes, which is hardly an assurance of safe travel. The road and fuel situation should be a priority to the new governing body, as most industries have been crippled by these malfunctioned transport facilities.
Travel organisations, such as tour operators and travel agents are also vital to the success of tourism in a country. It is these people who make the bookings and ensure that occupancy rates are at an optimal level. Advertising and marketing methods should be re-designed and encouragingly reflect and communicate travel opportunities in Zimbabwe.
Destination organisations are just as important as those that the tourist experiences once in the country. They are also the ones that manage and sustain the attractions, accommodation and travel facilities during the tourist’s stay. Tourist offices, associations and environmental management organisations which are responsible for the general upkeep and maintenance of tourist destinations cannot do this alone, and need the support of the government.
With the elections just around the corner, the apprehensive and desperate public need to know that a blueprint such as this will not only be drawn up but carried out. They need to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and that not only will change be spoken about… it will be acted upon.
Alexi Taylor
info@venues4africa.com
www.venues4africa.com
EASTER HOUSEBOAT SPECIAL
Facilities aboard :
The boat is licensed to carry 14, can host 12 clients comfortably
There is a master cabin composed of a double bed and an en-suite shower and toiler
There are 3 additional cabins each consisting of 2 single beds with cupboards
An additional shower and toilet is located below deck
With the demand for people to sleep on deck most of the time, there are extra mattresses for people that would like to sleep on the deck
The boat is fully equipped with towels and linen and all catering utensils
There are tender boats for fishing and game viewing
Rates:
Dry rate: boat hire from only US$ 350 a nightÂ
Wet rate: boat hire with fuel from only US$ 495 a night
Catering – US$ 85 per adult per day -Â US$ 55 per child/12 per day ,
includes all food , drinks (soft drinks, beers and wine and they can choose what soft drinks and beers and wine they require ) and all snacks
Contact: shaun@venues4africa.com  27 (0)21 683 6444
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