Published by the government of Zimbabwe
12 December 2008
Harare — THE country's tourism sector is expected to increase its contribution to Gross Domestic Product by about 400 percent within the next two years.
Addressing a Press briefing in the capital on Wednesday, newly-elected Zimbabwe Council for Tourism president Mr Emmanuel Fundira said it was the ZCT's vision to see the sector's contribution to GDP increasing from the current 3 percent to about 12 percent by 2010.
He said the goal was attainable as foreign currency earnings from the sector were expected to increase to US$1 billion from the current US$50 million by 2010.
"We are also expecting to increase tourism arrivals into Zimbabwe to three million from the current figure of one million, while simultaneously doubling current employment levels to one million by 2010," he said.
The incoming president stressed the need for the council to enhance communication with all stakeholders, and in particular to improve dialogue with the industry's regulatory bodies, among them the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.
At its height during the pre-2000 era, tourism had become one of Zimbabwe's key economic pillars alongside mining and agriculture.
Since then, it has been negatively impacted on by the harsh economic environment arising from warnings against travel to Zimbabwe from traditional source markets, resulting in reduced arrivals, low occupancies, job redundancies and business closures.
The sector's woes have been exacerbated by all-round shortages, hyper-inflation, skills flight and unfavourable exchange rates.
With the country's tourism infrastructure still sound, a wealth of attractions, including a rich and diverse culture and friendly people, ZCT believes that given the right operating conditions, it would be relatively easier for tourism to turn around the economy in a shorter time than other sectors.
Mr Fundira, a businessman and hunting safari operator, took over from Mrs Chipo Mtasa, who stepped down after leading the private sector representative body for the past two years.
Three vice presidents would assist Mr Fundira, namely Dr Peter Chikumba, group chief executive of Air Zimbabwe Holdings; UTC managing director Mr Fungayi Mutseyekwa and Africa Albida Tourism managing director Mr Glenn Stutchbury.
Mr Fundira paid tribute to his predecessor for having laid the groundwork for a stronger, well balanced council strongly geared for the tasks ahead.
"Tourism stands ready to play its role in leading economic recovery of our great nation once the economic conditions normalise and travel warnings are withdrawn, Zimbabwe can once again take its rightful place as Africa's tourism destination of choice," he said.
ZCT is the umbrella body of the private tourism business in the country. It plays a key role in tourism-friendly policy formulation, lobbying for the interests of the industry, and contributes to all spheres of tourism development, including training and education, upholding standards to marketing and destination image issues.
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What a load of rubbish! I can see the advertising now" Come to Zimbabwe and have a scenic cholera tour. Why pay for pills to get rid of constipation when you can come to Zimbabwe and drink the water and turn your constipation into the runs".