Andrew
Online Reporter
THE Middle East is one of the markets that will help boost arrivals in the country, Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Deputy Minister Barbara Rwodzi has said.
The Government official made the remarks during the Visit Zimbabwe Tourism and Investment Conference held on the side-lines of the world acclaimed Dubai Expo.
“Following the outbreak of the Covid-19 Pandemic, the Government of Zimbabwe put in place the National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy in terms of which Zimbabwe is targeting to attain a US$5 billion Tourism Economy by 2025.
“Deserving particular mention is the fact that the strategy recognises the Middle East as one of the markets that Zimbabwe will pursue earnestly, to boost tourism arrivals and investments in the tourism sector,” said Deputy Minister Rwodzi.
The Government official said she was keen to see Zimbabwe forging strong ties with tour operators and travel agencies from the Middle East and beyond.
She added that tourism players should take advantage of the strong air links between Harare and Dubai as well as Doha to promote increased tourism traffic.
“Zimbabwe, through our tourism marketing agency, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, stands ready to facilitate familiarisation trips for tour operators and travel agencies in this region to enable them to sample the numerous tourism attractions in our country,” said the Deputy Minister.
She called for investments in hospitality accommodation, conference facilities, theme parks, upmarket restaurants among other investments.
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter