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Patrick Chitumba in Victoria Falls Senior Reporter
VICE-President Joice Mujuru has urged international airlines to fly into Zimbabwe as it is a world class, safe and peaceful tourist destination.
Officially opening the 9th edition of the Routes Africa Forum 2014 here yesterday, VP Mujuru said it was high time the international airlines took advantage of the peaceful environment in the country and confirmed their participation in the growth of the aviation industry.
“Zimbabwe is a peaceful and enjoyable destination and I therefore urge you with open minds to experience Zimbabwe’s peaceful environment, hospitality and wonderful attractions.
“It is our profound expectation that thereafter, you will take back the correct message to your capitals that Zimbabwe is on a firm recovery course.”
She said Zimbabwe was obliged to play a major role in the economic growth of the continent.
“Zimbabwe as a part of Africa, feels obliged to contribute to the economic growth of the continent. As a nation, we willingly participate in the improvement in connectivity between states, with all its attendant benefits, including promotion of tourism, trade and investment,” said VP Mujuru.
She said Zimbabwe was determined to accelerate national economic growth and wealth creation through the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio- Economic Transformation (Zim-Asset).
“The underlying thrust of Zim-Asset is Zimbabwe’s commitment to improve the ease of doing business in the country. We are determined and confident that we will succeed. “I take this opportunity to invite players in the aviation industry to be part of this success story by taking an economic decision of flying to Zimbabwe as soon as possible. We are now operating on a basket of multi-currencies with the United States dollar as the most commonly used currency so there is no exchange rate exposure at all.”
She said any foreign investments by the foreign airlines in the country would result in positive returns.
“You can continue to count on our support to ensure that you achieve decent returns in your investments in Zimbabwe, since the government is determined to accelerate national economic growth and wealth creation through Zim-Asset,” she said.
She added that Zimbabwe was proud to be associated with Routes Africa Forum 2014 which brings together aviation authorities, airlines and airport management companies for the positive growth of the aviation industry.
“This forum presents Africa with the opportunity to re-affirm its presence on the global arena. It is also a chance to invite potential partners in the aviation sector and indeed other sectors to be part of Africa’s turnaround,” said VP Mujuru.
“Hosting this event will help us showcase some of our airports to the airlines and also provide delegates with the opportunity to experience some of the things which make our continent and country an attractive tourist destination.”
She said the tourism industry had the potential to contribute to economic growth in the country and indeed to fellow African states. “However, the tourism industry faces some challenges notably the perceived country risk and poor productivity. It has been noted that between 1999 and 2003 negative international publicity and macro-economic challenges saw Zimbabwe experience a dramatic traffic decline by 50 percent as a result most foreign airlines stopped flying into the country,” said Vice-President Mujuru.
The Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Dr Obert Mpofu said the projected completion of the Victoria Falls International Airport next year would see the country becoming a regional hub in tourism.
Katie Bland, Routes director said the forum had attracted over 350 aviation delegates, 44 countries, 40 airlines, 50 airports and more than 30 tourism authorities.
Online Reporter