Online Reporter
Martin Kadzere
Zimbabwe’s safari industry projects its hunting earnings will jump by 25 percent this year to US$50 million, up from US$40 million in the previous year.
This growth is largely due to a continued influx of tourists from key markets, particularly the US, who prioritise conservation practices, according to an industry body.
Safari Operation Association of Zimbabwe president, Dr Emmanuel Fundira, said these conservation-conscious visitors were a key factor in the industry’s sustained growth.
“I think what is more important, especially from our source market, is how much of that (revenue) we are putting into conservation,” he said in an interview.
The safari industry, a sub-sector of the tourism and travel industry, has historically focused on overland journeys for observing or hunting wild animals, but has evolved to place a strong emphasis on wildlife conservation and ecotourism.
The industry consists of both consumptive and non-consumptive sectors, with a common objective of effectively utilising wildlife resources. While direct hunting is more significant, the non-consumptive side contributes a lot to the total.
When revenue from “downstream” services is factored in, the industry’s total earnings are projected to reach US$100 million this year.
Dr Fundira explained that these related services, which include permits, accommodation, and charter services, are expected to generate an additional US$50 million in foreign currency.
