adminPhysical infrastructure includes water purification, energy, rail and roads while IT infrastructure includes smart-card readers and satellite links.
The vice president of Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe, Mr Tamuka Macheka, said infrastructure developments were crucial in the tourism industry as it is one of the crucial elements considered by tourists and customers.
“The aspect of infrastructure is very crucial as we will be hosting the United Nations World Tourism Organisation general assembly in 2013.
“In addressing areas of strategic involvement and action needed for socio-economic development and competitiveness in the country, there is need for innovative capacity within the country, new ideas, opportunities and infrastructure investment opportunities,” he said.
He said the country must invest in infrastructure to foster growth of local industries.
“At the moment there is poor infrastructure and structures that are there are old and for us to move with the global trends and pace, we have to develop the country’s infrastructure.
“We are relying on inefficient equipment hence it becomes difficult to be innovative and invent new things,” he said.
Mr Macheka said the Government’s move to remove duty on capital goods was a welcome move as it would help people in the hospitality sector to renovate and invent before the big event.
“There is need to modernise some of these structures because people will be coming from all over the world so we need to take the chance to market Zimbabwe internationally.
“Our aim is to facilitate the country’s global competitiveness and Government’s role is to create an environment conducive to successful competition in the global arena by industry,” he said.
Mr Macheka said global forces of competitiveness, information technology and socio-cultural dynamics were impacting and shaping tourism destinations significantly.
“Global shifts in the economy are driven by new waves of technology, political and social transformation. At the same time, travellers are becoming more knowledgeable, more informed and demanding.
“Competition has shifted from improving productivity to value-added quality, flexibility and agility in the marketplace, and meeting customer demands anywhere, anytime with customised solutions which is why we need infrastructural developments in Zimbabwe,” he said.
He said the major challenge at the moment facing the sector was liquidity though Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Walter Mzembi had agreed to help through the Tourism Revolving Fund.
“This fund is meant to help players in the hospitality sector by accessing funds easily for them to prepare for UNTWO general assembly by upgrading their facilities,” he said.
HAZ represents and promotes the interests of owners and operators of hotels, motels, lodges, inns, restaurants and sports clubs.
Online Reporter