Zimbabwe Tourism Authority boss Karikoga Kaseke (pictured) last week threatened a journalist with unspecified action after the reporter asked him what the authority was doing to woo back visitors from Britain which remains one of the biggest source markets for the local tourism industry. The journalist John Chimunhu had to leave the press conference early in fear of Kaseke, who is known to have a fiery temper. I begin to question your level of education for asking that question, you cannot win . if you start a war with me you will not win it for I will be the winner, said the fuming Kaseke, who also branded Chimunhu a British journalist.
Chimhunu apparently angered Kaseke when he asked the ZTA boss why Britain, which contributes 48.5 percent of tourist arrivals, was allocated only 27 of the 155 free tickets to the Shanyai tourism showcase. Chimunhu also queried the criteria used to select candidates for the free visits. The specially invited buyers are expected to bring direct business to the country through bookings for the Christmas season while they are in Zimbabwe. I am quite shocked by the massive threats, condemnations and insinuations that come from Kaseke as a person who holds such a high position to sink so low, said Chimunhu.
While political relations between Zimbabwe and Western nations especially former colonial ruler, Britain, have soured over the past decade, the local tourism industry has continued to benefit from its traditional ties with the European market even though arrivals dropped.