Govt committed to boosting tourism

Business Reporter
Government is committed to providing a conducive operating environment for wildlife and safari business operators as they are among key economic drivers identified in the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation under tourism, an official has said.

Addressing delegates at the eighth annual general meeting of the Safari Operators of Zimbabwe in Harare last week, Environment, Water and Climate Deputy Minister Eng Simon Musanhu said his ministry is in the process of drafting measures that will support the viability of the safari industry.

“One of the key economic drivers identified in the Zim Asset document is tourism and there is no doubt that sport hunting, the safari industry and its downstream sectors contribute quite significantly towards tourism earnings in the country.

“Duty free on importation of vehicles and equipment for tourism operators along with the tourism revolving fund are being established so we urge operators in the safari industry to make use of these facilities to upgrade their businesses and remain competitive,” he said.

According to Zim Asset, tourism has proven to be a major economic pillar, especially in the wake of the country’s recent successful co-hosting of the UNWTO General Assembly with Zambia, contributing 10 percent of the gross domestic product.

It is expected to increase to 15 percent by 2015.

The agriculture, hunting and fishing industries are expected to grow at -1,3 percent this year before increasing to 9 percent next year.
Deputy Minister Musanhu urged Safari Club International members from the United States who attended the meeting to market Zimbabwe and its tourism industry to the world.

“I urge you all to market Zimbabwe throughout the world, develop the tourism industry and contribute to the achievement of Zim Asset’s vision of empowering societies and growing the economy,” he said.

Government last month said it had secured US$10 million through the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry that will be used as a revolving fund to re-capitalise the sector.