EU refuses to fund Zim tourism exhibition

South Africa – without European Union funding.
The EU funded all African countries to exhibit at the international cynosure for world tourist wholesalers, tour operators, business developers and marketing agents in the tourism industry.
However, the EU refused to fund Zimbabwe, arguing the country was under sanctions.
Over the years, the EU has set aside funding for all international tourism exhibitions undertaken by African countries as part of tourism promotion, but has constantly denied Zimbabwe funding.
However, Zimbabwe managed to send 27 companies from its tourism and hospitality industry under a Zimbabwe Tourism Authority project with the theme, Zimbabwe on Recovery Path.
Judging from the visits to the Zimbabwean stand in the Sadc Hall on Sunday, there has been increased interest on Zimbabwe as a tourist destination.
ZTA chief executive Mr Karikoga Kaseke, on Sunday confirmed that only Zimbabwe had been denied the funding.
“Tourism is a peace sector. It is not a political sector so we wonder why the EU, which claims that the sanctions are targeted, is also targeting the tourism sector.
“We are the only African country that did not receive the EU funding for this exhibition. All the other countries here received EU funding to support their exhibition,” said Mr Kaseke.
There was, however, brisk business at the first day of exhibitions, with the Zimbabwean stand being a hive of activity through inquiries from Asia, Europe and Africa.
Wild Zambezi director, Ms Sally Wynn, said there had been renewed interest on Zimbabwe and that inquiries were coming from all over the world.
“There is a serious revived interest on Zimbabwe and we are shocked by the level of inquiries on our tourist products.
“We are happy to have come here and exhibited because we have made so much progress in terms of business contacts and real contracts,” she said.
Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe president, Mr Emmanuel Fundira, said there was brisk business and that the Zimbabweans exhibitors were overwhelmed by the responses.
“We are shocked by the responses. Europe is here, Asia is here and Africa is here. Everyone is here and we are not regretting coming here.
“We are happy with the level of business generated. We expect to clinch more business deals as the exhibition continues,” he said.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe music legend and tourism ambassador Oliver Mtukudzi played true to his status at a packed beach party in Durban, South Africa on Saturday night as part of the official opening of Indaba International Travel and Tourism Exposition.
Mtukudzi, whose music status has grown throughout the world as a unique Zimbabwean brand, left the crowd yearning for more after an hour-long musical journey.