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Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
Tourism has been recovering fast in Zimbabwe since the beginning of the year as Covid-19 restrictions were relaxed, coupled with a stable macro-economic environment, Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Mangaliso Ndlovu, said yesterday.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Ministry’s communications and advocacy officer, Ms Norah Takaindisa, at the launch of a new credit travel arrangement, “Travel Now, Pay Later”, Minister Ndlovu said tourism remained the fastest growing sector driving towards the success of the National Development Strategy 1.
The new credit travel product was established by Rouxgold Travel in partnership with CBZ Bank.
Minister Ndlovu said tourism is an export sector, a big employment creator and a smart diplomacy principle for the engagement and re-engagement drive. Tourism is regarded as an export, even though what people visit remains in Zimbabwe, because it brings in the foreign consumers to spend their money here.
The growth since the start of the year as Covid-19 receded and global travel resumed, was built on the efforts of the Zimbabwean businesses in the sector, something the Minister applauded, especially as they looked for new business as Rouxgold was doing and developing new products through partnerships.
“Rouxgold Travel has walked the journey, partnered with a lot of businesses locally and abroad to bring access to the best tourist destinations to Zimbabweans at an affordable cost. We urge Rouxgold Travel and others alike to continue to forge partnerships and synergies as we have witnessed today where the agent has partnered CBZ Bank to promote tourism.”
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive Ms Winnie Muchanyuka, urged other corporates to come on board with innovations that promote and inculcate the culture of travelling.
“I also want to commend Rouxgold and their partner, CBZ, in coming up with a wonderful holiday package.
“This will go a long way to complement our comprehensive effort of promoting the domestic market under Zimbho,” she said.
Rouxgold Holdings managing director Ms Maxine Maparura said they endeavour to make each experience unique for everyone through packages tailored to meet the needs of the client. The company had to change the way of operation of heavily relying on those that started operations many years ago and continued to operate the same way.
“We know for us to remain relevant and for you to continue choosing us we must be innovative by providing convenience, reliability and remain affordable.
“What we need to move forward is a greater focus on our country starting with forging strategic partnerships with local partners.
“I am happy to announce that we have also partnered with a local company who we are working with to provide the first ever Zimbabwe Travel App which we hope will be launched by the end of February 1, 2023,” she said.
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