adminAddressing the 37th Annual Africa Travel Association Congress (ATA) in Victoria Falls on Saturday evening, Mr Ray said the bad perception portrayed by the media especially the global media power houses such as CNN and BBC were misleading, as he found the country to be very safe.
“I must testify that when I alighted from the plane at Harare International Airport the very first time I came here, I was surprised to see the opposite of what I had known. I met very good people, very happy people and Zimbabwe is very beautiful and attractive,” said Mr Ray.
“To understand Zimbabwe, I urge you to listen, see and learn. You can enjoy many things in Zimbabwe. We must build a better understanding between our people and everyone including the journalists must come to Zimbabwe and see for themselves.”
Mr Ray said he was surprised to see a calm, violence-free Zimbabwe contrary to violent and unstable images portrayed by the media.
“What you see on CNN is not true. Journalists package what they think sells. I am sorry to say this in front of the media, but I have been in the media before myself.
“People have mistaken notion with reality. It is important that journalists try and report correctly and accurately. I have encouraged people not to listen to the international media, but come and see for themselves,” he said.
Mr Ray urged both the local and foreign media to say out the truth about the country.
“Zimbabwe is a peaceful country, rich in wildlife and with friendly people. Such truth should be said and the whole world should know about it,” he said.
Mr Ray said tourism was the bridge, which is needed to fill up the negative gap brought by the global media.
He took time to note that Zimbabwe had the potential to regain its positive image through tourism despite the negative image portrayed by the global media.
“’As the Government of Zimbabwe and my government don’t see eye to eye on some real important issue, I still believe that despite these differences Zimbabwe still can make up its image. Our ordinary people can do business here,” said Mr Ray.
“I have visited every area and found Zimbabwe attractive and fascinating. The wildlife is fascinating. From the rolling hills of the Matopos, to Kariba, the mystique of Chimanimani and to the majestic Victoria Falls, one can enjoy Zimbabwe.
“You can do elephant riding if you are daring but if you are really crazy you can do bungee jumping. That is Zimbabwe for you,” said Mr Ray.
He said Zimbabweans needed more time to reconcile adding that the country’s economy was recovering and growing.
“I must say Zimbabwe is open to business. They are coming from political challenges, that might have made leaders fail to implement certain projects but let us give them a chance because reconciliation takes quite some time,” said Mr Ray.
Online Reporter