The increase in tourist arrivals was partly attributed to the dollarisation of the economy in 2009. A number of encouraging improvements in the areas of wildlife conservation and infrastructure were also noted.
“With the establishment of the GNU in 2009, the number of countries with tourists visiting Zimbabwe continues to rise. Victoria Falls experienced a nine percent rise in tourist arrivals during the first three months of this year while revenue rose by 20 percent. During the same period last year, growth was at 20 percent, a pointer that the tourism destination is galloping to regain its former position as a world class destination,” said Kennedy in a statement released to The Zimbabwean.
To accelerate the revival of the tourism sector, five new lodges were created in Hwange over the last 18 months. In Matopos, Mana Pools and Kariba, new infrastructure is being developed.
The government is supporting the tourism sector through investment in infrastructure and other initiatives such as incentivized tax systems and support funding through banks with external lines of credit for the tourism sector to specifically upgrade property.
The provision of duty rebates on upgrades to properties was acknowledged as a sign of a mutual and beneficial relationship between Zimbabwe’s private and public sectors in tourism.
Access to the country improved significantly after Emirates started flying into Harare. The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority said the resumption of flights into the country by foreign airlines was a positive development.
“From a tourism perspective, we are happy that regional and international airlines are bouncing back.”
The government adopted an open skies policy that saw more than 12 regional and international airlines reintroducing flights to the country.
The upcoming United Nations World Tourism Organisation summit scheduled for Victoria Falls in August has resulted in massive infrastructural development in the resort town. A $150 million project aimed at modernising the Victoria Falls Airport started this year.
“The tourism sector will continue to enhance the UNWTO legacy to cement our position as a regional tourism hub,” said Kennedy.
Post published in: Business