HARARE - The tourism sector which grew by an estimated 6,5 per cent last year is forecasted to be on a stunted growth path this year growing by only 3,5 per cent, market analysts have said.Officials in the sector have expressed doubt on the veracity of the forecast arguing that developments on the ground point to a bigger growth than the forecast.
In an economic and market outlook report, analysts based their predictions on the continued effects of the global credit crunch that negatively affected international tourist arrivals in 2009. They said tourism trends indicated a decline in arrivals with the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) forecasting limited growth of between one and three per cent in 2010 from 5 per cent in 2009.
The Zimbabwe Council of Tourism (ZCT) president, Emamnuel Fundira, told The Zimbabwean that as authorities and players in the industry they expected improved growth of the sector this year.
“This (prediction) is different from what we are experiencing as tourism players,” he said.
He expressed optimism when asked whether as authorities in the tourism sector they expected improved growth this year.
“Definitely. Our occupancy rates are improving and that translates to money,” he said.
The report by the analysts, however, conceded that there have been some positive signs of tourism growth in Zimbabwe during the first half of the year 2010 in terms of tourist arrivals, average room occupancy and overall earnings.
“Arrivals during the first quarter were up 0,7 per cent compared to the same period in 2009. This trend is expected to continue during second half of the year due to a possible sustained macroeconomic and social stability. Average room occupancy is projected to improve to 37 per cent compared to 35 per cent recorded last year and 33 per cent recorded in 2008,” analysts said in the report.
Last week tourism players called on the Government to work hand in glove with the sector and adopt the satellite accounting system, which is United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)-approved, to minimise confusion over earnings from the industry.
In 1993, the United Nations Statistical Commission adopted a new System of National Accounts (SNA) which recommended the adoption of a new concept called “Satellite Accounting”, designed to enhance and expand countries’ ability to more accurately capture the economic impact of previously undefined “sectors” such as health, tourism and the environment.
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