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Victoria Falls Reporter
PLAYERS in the tourism industry have commended Zimbabweans for the peace and tranquility that prevailed in the country before, during and after the watershed elections. Players in the sector said tourist arrivals were not affected by the election process nor were future bookings. With the resort town experiencing an upsurge in arrivals ahead of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) general assembly, players in the tourism sector said Zimbabweans voted peacefully in a free and fair environment.
In separate interviews yesterday, Khanondo Safaris general manager, Mr Ben Tesa said Zimbabweans had shown a lot of maturity – a development he said was good for the sector.
“We are happy as the tourism sector in that no cases of violence were recorded during the process. When elections are characterised by violence, it affects arrivals and in our case, arrivals were not affected,” he said.
Shearwater Adventures public relations manager Mr Clement Mukwasi concurred with Mr Tesa.
“As the saying goes, all that is well ends well, we are happy and we commend Zimbabweans for the peace and tranquility that prevailed during this election. Some of the tourists said they were not even aware that an election was taking place because of the good behaviour exhibited by the people
. As voting went on Wednesday, the resort town was just like any other day much to the benefit of the sector.”
Mr Israel Rupiya of Silver Tours said all eyes were on the country as the country and the world at large awaited the general assembly to kick off on 24 August.
He said the prophets of doom were left with egg on the face following the peace that was prevailing after the elections.
“Generally we are very happy with what has transpired,” he said.
Online Reporter
derick.khumalo