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Patrick Chitumba in Harare
THE Government will soon review the visa regimes as well as keep Air Zimbabwe in the skies permanently to unlock value out of the tourism and hospitality industry, Senior Minister of State Senator Simon Khaya Moyo said yesterday. Officially opening the 6th Sanganai/Hlanganani World Travel and Tourism Africa Fair 2013 in Harare yesterday, Sen Moyo said the introduction of tourism industry incentives and rebates would be expedited to enhance the performance of the tourism sector.
“Tourism is highly dependent on other enablers hence Government will work on recapitalising all sectors of the economy that impact on tourism to unlock value out of the sector.
“To this end, Government will holistically review the visa regimes as well as make sure that our national airline is profitably kept in the skies permanently while at the same time opening the skies to other players,” he said.
Sen Moyo said it was Government’s desire to increase regional tourism cooperation through joint marketing programmes with other countries in the region to boost tourist arrivals into the country in light of long haul tourists’ preference of multi destination packages.
“Given all this Government support and commitment I would like to challenge team tourism to up its game in destination marketing and fully exert all its energies on ensuring re-invigorated life into the sector,” said Sen Moyo.
“I am confident that all the innovation, enthusiasm and hope that I have witnessed during my tour around the stands will continue to inspire more people to visit Zimbabwe, ‘A world of Wonders’.”
Sen Moyo said as recognition of the importance of the event in the promotion of tourism, Government declared Sanganai/Hlanganani a national event and as such would ensure that it is adequately funded.
“Funding commensurate with these expectations will be availed,” he said.
Sen Moyo said in line with Government’s promise to the people and through the people oriented policies, tourism benefits should continue to spread to all Zimbabweans so that they enjoy their beautiful country and resources.
“As such Government through the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry and its implementing agency, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, will work on modalities to implement this Government position. I am happy to learn that the ZTA at this Sanganai/Hlanganani has already put in motion this aspiration by incorporating a tourism family day to create tourism awareness and benefits to the families,” he said.
Sen Moyo also took time to congratulate the people of Zimbabwe for holding the 31 July harmonised elections peacefully adding that tourism thrived in a peaceful environment.
Online Reporter