In the last nine months, he said, the sector had registered a 19 percent increase in tourist arrivals from traditional and new source markets such as China. This translates to a 23 percent sector growth rate.
“With the return of many airlines, we have noted an incredible change in the tourism sector and we are expecting even more tourists during the festive season. Apart from boosting tourism, it also shows that Zimbabwe is ready to host a United Nations World Tourism Organisation Convention next year,” he told The Zimbabwean.
Muzembi said most hotels around the country were being rehabilitated to accommodate the tourists.
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority head of public relations, Sugar Chagonda, said he was glad to see an increase of airlines. However, he said there was still a need for the country to work hard to restore the industry to its former glory when as many as 46 airlines flew to Zimbabwe.
“We are glad because this shows that the country is back on the tourism map as a preferred destination. We are, however, worried about the absence of the national airline, Air Zimbabwe,” he said.
Ministry of Transport, Communications and Infrastructure Development Permanent Secretary Munesu Munodawafa said a new runway was being constructed at the Victoria Falls airport ahead of the United Nations World Tourism summit to be held in August next year.
“The increase of airline traffic is so significant. I believe this has been due to the constant talk of Zimbabwe and the hosting of the UNWTO. We are, therefore, aiming at finishing this runway before the UNWTO conference. It will be the runway for international flights and the existing one will be turned into a domestic runway,” he said.
Post published in: Business