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Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), has expressed its readiness and preparedness to receive more tourists from its next door neighbour, South Africa as it participates in the 2018 tourism show, Indaba.
Africa’s largest tourism show the Travel kicked off on 8-10 May this year and is expected to have wide variety of top drawer tourism products, attracts international buyers and media from across the globe. This convergence also provides a business and policy platform forum for African Tourism Ministers each year.
According to a press release by ZTA, Zimbabwe has been a consistent participant at the prestigious Indaba since inception 30 years ago adding that this year the country will participate with a record of 32 tourism operators on its national stand.
It said the exceptional response is a true reflection that Zimbabwe is open and ready for business.
It said various Zimbabwean Tourism operators have expressed optimism that travel into Zimbabwe will increase as the government reengages most of the markets who were shunning Zimbabwe for the past decade, stating that a number of Zimbabwe tour operators have also secured their own exhibition stands at Indaba which will enhance Zimbabwe participation.
This year, the Zimbabwe delegation will be led by the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Honourable Priscah Mupfumira.
The Chief Executive of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Dr Karikoga Kaseke said he is delighted by the enthusiasm shown by the local operators. ‘We have over the years lost substantial amounts of business from the South African market. We must take remedial action without further delay, we need to act swiftly. We are going to South Africa to regain the market share we lost. The level of participation of the tourism players from Zimbabwe is very encouraging and I know Zimbabwe is going to make a huge impact at the Africa’s Travel Indaba this year. I am very happy that the smaller operators are now also seeing that marketing their products at these big travel shows will assist their businesses to grow.’
South Africa is the largest tourist source market for Zimbabwe, contributing 30% of total arrivals in 2017 The South Africa arrivals reached 1.368 million in 2010 from 912 244 in 2009 but have declined to 716 234 tourist arrivals in 2017.
The first Visit Zimbabwe roadshow will be held on the sidelines of Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban, Dr Kaseke highlighted that there was need to work at increasing arrivals from the neighboring country ‘The decline of arrivals from South Africa which is the country’s major market is of great concern and calling for urgent attention. This has therefore seen the need for embarking on Visit Zimbabwe campaign in South Africa’
Zimbabwe will continue to participate at such international travel shows in order to create awareness and build confidence about the destination under the new government.
