Stakeholders’ conference in pipeline

Chinhoyi Bureau
Government and players in the tourism and hospitality sector, including the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, will soon convene an all stakeholders’ conference in Kariba to find ways of reviving tourism in the resort town. The slump in business has seen the closure of at least eight lodges and hotels over the past few years. Room occupancy which averaged more than 50 percent at its peak in the 90s, has gone down to a nearly 20 percent, which has left many people jobless.
Among hotels closed in the last 10 years are Katete Lodge, Breezes Hotel and Fothergill Island Hotel.

Tourism and Hospitality Industry Deputy Minister Walter Kanhanga said concerted efforts were needed to revive tourism in Kariba which has an array of activities, including boat cruises, houseboats, game viewing and excursions.

“Kariba is our jewel that can be as good as any destination,” he said.
“There is need for all stakeholders including hoteliers, tour operators and other ancillary service providers such as local authorities and Ministry of Transport among others to map the way forward in terms of how we can revive tourism in the town.”

There has been an outcry from industry players and residents of the town that little was being done to market Kariba.
“Everything to boost tourism is centred on Harare and the Victoria Falls,” said Glory Lodge proprietor Vorster Mashevedzanwa. “We don’t need to look very far to see that even the Carnival was held in Harare when we have destinations such as Mazvikadei, Chinhoyi Caves and Mana Pools that are yearning for attention.”

Mashonaland West Minister of State Faber Chidarikire said tourism in Mashonaland West in general and Kariba in particular could not be left to die.
“We need to do everything in our power to ensure that these resort towns which were once vibrant are brought to life again,” he said.