admin Gabriel Masvora in Masvingo
HEADS of country delegations attending the United Nations World Tourism Organisation general assembly yesterday toured the Great Zimbabwe monuments in Masvingo as part of the Zimbabwe government’s move to ensure that other tourist destinations benefit from the tourism indaba.
The delegates were flown into the ancient city and were welcomed by government officials, traditional leaders and traditional dances that aptly captured the rich history of the monuments from which the name Zimbabwe was derived.
Traditional leaders who welcomed the delegation included Chief Tshovani, Chief Mugabe, Chief Gudo and headman Nemamwa.
Tourism players in the city said it was an honour for delegates attending the important occasion being co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Zambia to extend their knowledge of Zimbabwe as this will boost tourism in the country.
They said the tour signified that the event was not only about Victoria Falls and Livingstone but other tourist facilities in Zimbabwe and Zambia.
The director of Museums and Monuments Dr Godfrey Mahachi who accompanied the delegates said it was humbling that the delegates left their busy schedules to tour the Great Zimbabwe monuments.
“In the past figures here have been low. They have however started picking and we hope this visit will help market such destinations,” he said.
Dr Mahachi said Great Zimbabwe had the potential to attract more tourists but there was need to come up with marketing strategies.
Chief Tshovani who welcomed the delegates said there was a feeling in the province that the place was not being accorded its rightful place in the country’s tourism matrix but hoped visits like yesterday’s will definitely improve arrivals.
“If this place is marketed it can be a big attraction. We have been always working with Government and our wish is to see Great Zimbabwe grow into a huge tourist centre for the province and the country at large,” he said.
Chief Tshovani said traditional leaders in the province were very happy that delegates to the general assembly had decided to accord them respect by visiting the province.
A member of the provincial Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe Dr Fredrick Kasese said tourism in the area was subdued but such efforts were likely to boost it.
“As the tourism sector we are also happy that elections have come and gone and now we can rightly focus on the business of bringing tourists into the country. It is time to work together and make our country proud.
Some of the delegates said they were impressed by the Great Zimbabwe and said the monuments were very unique and promised that they would market the facility in their respective countries.
They said they were also impressed by the rich cultural activities that are carried at the site adding that with the right exposure the facility can grow to become one of the best attractions in Africa.
However, some of the delegates said although they were impressed by Great Zimbabwe global tourism has grown to include other activities beyond the attractions, which Zimbabwe must adopt in its quest to develop the sector.
“The Great Zimbabwe is wonderful. However in other countries it’s no longer about the attractions only but offering a full package that includes other activities. There is therefore need to develop other economic activities around such monuments like Great Zimbabwe.
“We should have seen the ice cream man ready to sell ice cream or water to tourists. Focus should not just be on attraction. This is what countries like South Africa have done to areas like Mapungungwe,” said one of the delegates.
Online Reporter