Chronicle Editor
Nkosilathi Sibanda, Business Correspondent
THERE has been a high turnout of employees in the tourism sector taking up Covid-19 vaccination, in what industry authorities say is a milestone as the country anticipates an increase of both domestic and international tourist activity in the coming months.
Over 80 percent of the workforce in the sector have received their first jab of the vaccine in major tour and travel centres, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has noted. The tourism industry employs more than 200 000 people, according to data obtained from the ZTA.
Leading companies in Matabeleland North and South where a number of nature and wildlife conservancies are located have taken up Covid-19 inoculations since last week. In a show of appreciation of industry’s support to the Government’s efforts, the Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu toured various tourism establishments to ascertain their readiness to fully open for business.
The Minister last week visited Mutare, Malilangwe Trust, the south-eastern Lowveld, Gonarezhou, Pamushana, Chiredzi and Bubye Ranch. From the tour, it was noted that close to 70 percent of the workforce was vaccinated.
In an interview last Thursday, Minister Ndlovu said the Government desired to lure tourists by making sure that the industry is designated as a safe zone. The Ministry is currently spear-heading the Domestic Tourism Strategy that is underpinned by the #ZimBho campaign whose theme is on “Vaccinate for safer tourism”.
“It is pleasing to note that stakeholders in the tourism sector are fast taking up to vaccinating against Covid-19. The overwhelming response is a sign that the industry is eager to show the whole world that Zimbabwe is the safest and most preferred destination.”
ZTA spokesperson Mr Godfrey Koti said the sector was grateful to the Government for having taken note that tourism was an essential service.
“We would have achieved a swift return to business if it was not for the Government’s commitment to support tourism. The Government’s sterling work in procuring vaccines on time made sure that the tourism industry shakes up and partakes in the programme.
“We are ready for reopening but also vigilant to stay on guard by following laid down protocols of the World Health Organisation to prevent the spread of the virus,” he said.
Mr Koti said the sheer willingness of tourism employers and employees in adhering to the vaccination programme should be emulated by the local tourists who are key in resuscitating the industry. The industry is touted as the country’s low hanging fruit that if let to bloom, could be an economic saviour as described in the Government’s economic blueprint- the National Development Strategy (NDS 1).
Last week the Ministry of Health and Child Care vaccinated a number of workers within the confines of Hwange National Park, Matabeleland North. Leading safari and hospitality concern, Imvelo Safaris paid testimony to the exercise.
“We are so pleased that the tourism industry far and wide has been given the opportunity to receive their vaccinations against Covid-19. Last week the Ministry of Health and Child Care set up at Hwange Main Camp and Imvelo Safari Lodges sent five Land Cruiser loads of staff from all our camps to receive their first vaccine and many more of the Imvelo team who were in Victoria Falls currently also received their shots last week too,” the company said in a statement.
One of Matabeleland North’s renowned tourism entrepreneurs in Dete, Hwange and Binga, Mr Wilbert Makonese told Sunday Business that the industry was appreciative to the Government for availing vaccines.
Bongani Ndlovu