ZESA Business Development and Planning Manager, Patrick Chivawura who was speaking at a Business Forum held as part of this year’s Sanganai/Hlanganani tourism expo in the capital admitted that erratic power supplies that have characterized most parts of the country were derailing Zimbabwe’s efforts to build a positive destination image.
“The major challenge that they (tourism players) face which impacts on their image is the power blackouts. The main challenge is that we do not have sufficient generation in the country to meet requirements,” said Chivawura.
He said the power blackouts which have taken their toll on other sectors of the economy posed a huge threat to economic development.
“It is a very serious national problem. The way it impacts on tourism is similar with other economic sectors of the country,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the National Energy Policy which has opened up avenues for private players to venture into power generation would assist in alleviating the problem.
Speaking at the same function, Mutambara said addressing the political landscape was critical in building a positive image for Zimbabwe as well as boosting the country’s tourism sector.
“There is no way you can address tourism without addressing politics.
We need first to address how we govern each other and how we run our elections because if the political side in Zimbabwe is negative, it would be difficult to have a good brand,” said Mutambara.
He said Zimbabwe’s anticipated new constitutions as well as the forthcoming general elections—expected some time next year– would have an important bearing on building the country’s tourism image.
Said Mutambara: “There is the issue of a new constitution and then elections, and if we conduct these in a positive manner, then we will be moving in the right step towards building a positive image for Zimbabwe.”
Zimbabwe is currently crafting a new constitution to replace the old Lancaster House people’s charter that has been amended 19 times.
The new constitution is hoped to usher in a new democratic era in the country.
He said it was a shame that the government had failed to run an effective airline service which could have aided the growth of the country’s tourism sector.
“As government, we feel very ashamed that right now we do not have an airline. We have failed on this,” admitted Mutambara.
Air Zimbabwe, the country’s national airline, has been experiencing viability problems for a long time and is currently not servicing commercial international routes owing to a poor financial situation.
Post published in: News