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Minister Biti also said there was a need to review the Tourism Act to streamline the roles of the different players, strengthen the national web portal for ease of access of information and reservations by tourists, locally and internationally and the establishment of efficient, well stocked and equipped Tourist Information Centres at all major ports of entry.
Mr Blessing Munyanyiwa, the managing director of Wilderness Safaris, said the rehabilitation and development of tourism infrastructure would change the face of the sector since the infrastructure was now old.
“We commend the budget and we pray that there will be action towards what was promised. As players in the industry we also need funding to beef up fleet ahead of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation General Assembly 2013,” he said.
Mr Ben Tesa, the managing director of Khanondo Safaris, said more emphasis on Victoria Falls as the flagship of the country’s tourism was a welcome development.
“We have had experiences where other countries market Victoria Falls as part of their resort areas and that in a way has led to us losing some business.
“However, if emphasis is by the Government to recognise the town, then we will see the well-stocked tourism information centres playing a pivotal role in bringing more clients to the country who in turn spend more money,” he said.
According to Mr Clement Mukwasi, the public relations manager of Shearwater Adventures, the budget promotes development and enables the industry to recapitalise.
He indicated that marketing initiatives aimed at penetrating new markets and developing new tourism products would help in the growth of the industry.
“There is so much competition which the tourism sector is facing from countries like South Africa, Zambia and Botswana and a united effort from the Government, ZTA, ZCT and other players like the Goto.VictoriaFalls.com is the only way to go to be ahead of the competition,” he said.
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