Chronicle Editor
THE Ethiopian Airlines on Sunday made its maiden flight to Bulawayo as it landed at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport. The airline which already flies into Zimbabwe through Harare and Victoria Falls, will be flying into Bulawayo, the country’s second biggest city, four times a week direct from Addis Ababa.
The coming in of the Ethiopian Airline is set to boost tourism in Matabeleland region and beyond.
Speaking at the welcoming ceremony, Transport and Infrastructural Development permanent secretary Engineer Theodius Chinyanga said there is now increased connectivity between Bulawayo and the rest of the world following the coming in of the Ethiopian Airlines.
He said the development will also spur and encourage new investments and trade in the different sectors of the Zimbabwean economy.
Eng Chinyanga urged Zimbabwean businesses in the different sectors to embrace and utilise the opportunity provided by the coming in of the Ethiopian Airlines to grow tourism, trade and attract foreign direct investment from across the globe.
The Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mr Mesfin Tasew said the Bulawayo route will enhance international connectivity and facilitate trade within Africa and beyond.
“The commencement of flights to Bulawayo is crucial in connecting southern Africa to the rest of the world with our 130 destinations in five continents. We are glad to serve Bulawayo, the industrial hub of Zimbabwe and southern Africa, accelerating trade with our cargo and passengers services,” said Mr Tasew.
In 2017 before the coming in of the Second Republic in Zimbabwe, only three airlines were utilising the country’s airspace but now 18 airlines are flying into the country. This is a confirmation of the confidence the airlines have in Zimbabwe as a tourist destination of choice with a stable economy.
In July this year Zimbabwe hosted the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier B, which again was an endorsement of the country as a tourist destination of choice.
Last year the country was again the venue of a high-profile nine-team Women Cricket World Cup Qualifier.
The challenge to the tourism industry is to ensure that our guests that are being flown in by the different airlines from various destinations get first class services at our hotels and lodges. Zimbabwe boasts wonderful tourist sites such as the Victoria Falls, Great Zimbabwe, Nyanga, Vumba Mountains, Mana Pools and Hwange National Park among others.
Zimbabwe should enjoy repeat visits by the guests brought in by the different airlines and this is only possible if they enjoy our hospitality.
Online Reporter