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Mukudzei Chingwere Midlands Bureau
ZIMBABWE tourist destinations have lost the local market, but have managed to retain international customers, a development which has seen foreign currency continuing to flow into the country.
Most tourist destinations have been blamed for pricing themselves beyond the reach of many Zimbabweans.
But the sector has retained its gloss on the international market and has continued to contribute foreign currency to Treasury.
Antelope Park in Gweru has been enjoying brisk business from tourists coming from other countries who are lured by African wildlife.
The Gweru-based game park is famed for its lions, which are available for walks and cuddling by visitors, and recently enjoyed improved business following the hosting of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers last month.
Antelope Park lodge manager Mr Dax Jackson confirmed that the park enjoys most of its business from foreigners and was now working to reclaim the local market.
“Most of our customers are foreigners, that is tourists that come to Zimbabwe, we have a few locals who are coming to visit our park,” he said.
“Last month we benefited immensely from the people who had visited the country for the ICC Cricket World Cup qualifiers. We had many arrivals who visited us during that period. Three teams came here and we had some Zimbabwean cricket players and some foreign cricket sponsors who visited us.
“We gave them very good packages and they really enjoyed, we definitely expect return business from everyone who visits us because of what is on offer here.
“Our standards here are great and most people who come here really enjoy themselves. We are working on a few ideas to attract more locals.
“But at the moment we are yet to finalise on any special packages for locals.”
From the local market, tourist destinations usually get business from school children who come on educational trips.
Online Reporter