THE Government has implored tourism players to drawdown the $7,5 million Tourism Revolving Fund to spruce up their facilities and meet working capital needs to consolidate the industry’s recovery trajectory.
Tied to visitor-centred service delivery, revamping and introduction of innovative activities and experiences, Government has indicated its preparedness to support the private sector.
Speaking at the launch of the Kariba Regional Tourism Development and Marketing Strategy in Kariba yesterday, Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said the National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy emphasised on excellent service delivery. “Beyond hard issues like tourism infrastructure development, including accommodation and MICE facilities, it is imperative to work on soft issues, especially service delivery,” he said.
“Working in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, it is vital for the region to embrace the Service Excellence Training Programme. The programme, which is one of the key focus areas of the National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy, is aimed at enhancing and building back skills of all frontline staff in tourism and enabling sectors so that they may serve with excellence in their tour of duty.”
Minister Ndlovu said the Kariba Region could leverage on service excellence to become one of the leading and competitive tourism destinations.
Kariba region, he said, had all the elements, including cultural attributes, the iconic Lake Kariba, pristine wildlife, hotels and conferencing facilities.
Minister Nldovu said Kariba’s stature deserved an international airport with direct flights, reminiscent of the 90s and 2000s where visitors thronged the destination for activities such as game viewing, casino, tiger tournament, fishing and spending nights in houseboats.
While the industry suffered setbacks owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, whose impact is still being felt to date, there are positive signs including an increase in airlines, amid indications that Fastjet and Air Zimbabwe are interested in servicing the Kariba route with scheduled flights.
Chronicling the journey in developing the regional strategy, Kariba Revival Committee chairperson Mr Quinten De Lange said Kariba was battling low arrivals, decaying facilities and thinning repertoire of activities to offer visitors.
“Other players were left with no choice but to fold and the advent of Covid-19 compounded the situation for the destination.
“However, we have had amazing things in recent months,” he said.
Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Mary Mliswa-Chikoka said the regional strategy was an important component of the province’s drive to grow its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“Tourism is one of the leading economic pillars in our region with great potential to turnaround our economic fortunes and immensely contribute to the province’s Gross Domestic Product,” said Minister Mliswa-Chikoka.
“With increased product development and marketing coupled with diversification of the product base and investment in infrastructure such as multi-purpose water sports, accommodation and entertainment facilities like casinos, the region is poised to register growth and reach its economic zenith.” The event saw the official opening of the Kariba Safari Lodge which had not been operating for 10 years, adding to Kariba’s bed capacity which has emerged as stumbling block to attracting conferences. Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive Ms Winnie Muchanyuka and other stakeholders attended the launch. – The Herald
