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The airlines are coming at a time when arrivals into Victoria Falls according to statistics from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) increased to 25 000 in August from 22 000 in July.
With the country co-hosting the mega event with Zambia from 24 August next year, SA Airways, BA- Comair and Air Namibia are now flying to Victoria Falls International Airport regularly.
Air Namibia is the latest to frequent Victoria Falls four times a week joining SA Airways and BA Comair. Fresh Air also recently made a maiden trip from Harare to Victoria Falls and is expected to commence flights soon.
In a telephone interview from Harare, ZTA, head of public relations, protocol and events, Mr Sugar Chagonda said from the tourism perspective, they were very happy with the increase in frequency by the airlines. However, Mr Chagonda said there was still a need for the country to work hard so that the frequency levels of airlines reaches the levels of yesteryear when there were more than 46 airlines coming to the country.
“We are glad because this shows that the country is back on the tourism map as a preferred destination. We are, however, worried about the absence of the national airline, Air Zimbabwe which is missing in the skies to service some international routes because these foreign airlines should be complementing Air Zimbabwe. Now that it is doing the Victoria Falls — Harare three times a week, it should be three times a day,” he said.
He said he was optimistic of further increase in airlines frequenting Victoria Falls and the country at large. “We have the other two ‘As’ which are attraction and accommodation, now we need the third “A” which is accessibility and that is only possible if we have more airlines including Air Zimbabwe servicing our destinations,” he said.
The general assembly is held once every two years and brings together key tourism players including government ministers from across the world. The event is also a platform for the tourism industry to showcase its products at the highest level. Players are expected to benefit from improved tourist traffic in preparation for the conference and after it ends.
Online Reporter