Rail Leisure ready for post Covid-19 Era

THE winning of a Gold Medal by the National Railways of Zimbabwe for the best Travel and Tourism Exhibit at Zimbabwe International Trade Fair 2021 held in Bulawayo is a reflection of the quality products offered by Rail Leisure, a Strategic Business Unit of the company which promotes domestic tourism.

NRZ acting public relations manager Mr Martin Banda said Rail Leisure has been adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic which has seen Governments the world over imposing lock-down to slow the spread of the virus.

Mr Banda said as a result, over the past year, most Rail Leisure activities have been suspended to comply with health protocols. However, the SBU is geared up for the gradual re-opening of the economy as Government has eased Covid-19 induced restrictions.

Rail Leisure is looking forward to offering a full package of recreational travel using the railways soon. Mr Banda said Rail Leisure products are tailored to meet differing market needs.

The products offered by the SBU to promote domestic tourism include Steam Safari Excursions, Premier Class Coaches and Charter Trains. The Steam Safari Excursion trains are powered by vintage Garrat steam locomotives which are more than 60 years old.

Mr Banda said the NRZ Garrat locomotives are among the few in the world still in perfect running condition and provide a rare opportunity to experience how travel was in years gone by. The Premier Class Coach service is available on the Bulawayo Victoria Falls route.

It provides an opportunity to visit one of the iconic tourism sites in the world on an affordable budget. The coaches feature beds, carpeted compartments and hot and cold shower facilities as well as meals.

Mr Banda said Premier Class Coaches were ideal for group travel for school tours and churches. For a nominal extra fee, passengers can sleep on board the coaches while they are stabled in Victoria Falls, saving on hotel accommodation.

He said the public can also charter an NRZ train for that special occasion. Both diesel and steam trains can be chartered. Trains charters are ideal for joy rides, parties, anniversaries, conferences and other conventions.

The NRZ Museum is one product of the Rail Leisure SBU available to the public.

National Railways of Zimbabwe Museum. The Museum was last year declared a National Tourism Development Site in recognition of the role it plays in promoting tourism.

The museum is situated in the old railway suburb of Raylton. Opened in 1972 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the first train from Vryburg in South Africa to Bulawayo, the museum consists of historical locomotives, coaches and other relics used by the NRZ over the years.

The museum’s collection includes steam locomotives, diesel electric locomotives, trolleys and wagons most, with an interesting story to tell when they were still in service.

In providing innovation, effective transport and logistics solutions to the tourism industry under the new normal realities and opportunities, NRZ is partnering Zupco under phase one in Harare’s intracity travel.

In the region NRZ has developed synergies for passenger services growth through partnerships with Rovos/Shongololo and the five star hotel on wheels- the Blue Train from South Africa.

Meanwhile, locally the Bushtracks trains is in partnership with NRZ. Jeff Cook tours from the United Kingdom as well as the Far Rail tours from Germany are always there to offer NRZ that much needed symbiotic relationship for passenger train services.