Is Zimbabwe ready to be recognised as a top tourism destination? This was the question that the Executive Director of Kuonis Destination Management Unit, Frank Glettenberg, asked on a recent trip to the country. (Pictured: Victoria Falls has kept the tourism industry alive)
HARARE Zimbabwe has, over the years, attracted many travellers. But, as the political and economic situation worsened, the tourism industry all but dried up. We at Kuoni have continued to feature Victoria Falls as a short add-on to trips in the region, but promoting the entire nation as a destination in itself has not been on the Cards, said Glettenberg. He listed inflation, lack of resources and the unpopular government as reasons for this. With the formation of the government of national unity and the dollarisation of the economy, Gletternberg decided to re-evaluate the tourism potential of the country.
How had the tourism infrastructure survived its dormancy? Were there still animals aplenty in the national parks? Would people be happy to see tourists? And most importantly, would I feel safe? were questions he asked. So, in July and August 2008 he travelled 1600km around Zimbabwe. These were some of his observations.
Zimbabwe is back
I found the main roads tarred and in a better condition than some of those Ive experienced in the UK. International car-hire companies are well represented and offer a solid network the selection, however, is understandably limited. Roadblocks are frequent, which adds a bit of travelling time, but police are courteous and anything but intimidating. Once they realised that we were on holiday the officers all wished us a safe journey, asking us to spread the news at home that Zimbabwe is back.
Forgotten are the days of empty supermarkets and a lack of petrol and diesel. The dollarisation in April 2009 has ensured the shops shelves are filled with everyday and luxury goods, and every fuel station is well stocked. A common expression of waiters during this trip was, and Im proud to say that everything is available on the menu tonight! Some South African chain stores have already opened their doors, and Visa credit cards are again being accepted as payment. Besides US currency, the South African rand is also widely circulated the Zim dollar has been suspended.
In terms of accommodation, Glettenberg found that the majority of lodges and hotels needed some refurbishment, but all met international standards and had excellent customer service.
The hospitality industry offers a wide range of products: from 3-Star hotels geared towards the tour market to intimate lodges in the wild for the upmarket independent traveller. International hotel chains are already investing in their properties again to bring them back to their former glory. Glettenberg was surprised to find the game reserves stocked with animals and well managed.
While the damages to Zimbabwes wildlife from poaching have been considerable, I was able to see an abundance of animals. Overall Zimbabwe today presents itself as a stunningly diverse destination for escorted groups, escorted independent travellers and self-drive visitors. While the Zimbabweans are rebuilding their country and their tourism industry, the only
ingredient now missing is the international traveller. We hope to change this soon with some exciting offers from Kuoni.
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