Presenting a paper on the USA tourism market, Byron Greaves, a Safari operator, said American hunters were high spenders and usually stayed for long periods in host countries, enabling receiving states to earn foreign currency. Zimbabwe is among the top five African countries that have the best hunting and safari industry in the world, he said, adding despite this, most hunters did not know about the country. We need to improve our marketing and packaging of attractions. The USA is a leading hunters market and Zimbabwe can benefit a lot if it penetrates this lucrative market, said Greaves.
He said local operators must participate in international fairs particularly the Safari Club International Convention and the Dallas Safari Convention to market themselves. The two shows are the major safari events where all top buyers from across the world participate in, he said. Greaves said Zimbabwe had the best wilderness that was also well conserved to meet international standards. Hunters, he added, also managed to get their hunting trophies on time as the country had a good transport industry to ferry the medals.
Our professional guides are the best in the region and most hunters have commended their work. And unlike other countries that offer limited hunting options Zimbabwe has a wide range of animals for hunting, he said. Zimbabwe is third in Africa after Tanzania and Kenya in having a vibrant hunting industry. South Africa and Botswana are fourth and fifth respectively. Hunting contributes the most revenue in tourism and employs a higher population of the local community in the country.
Post published in: News