admin
Sibongile Maruta Herald Reporter
The tourism and hospitality industry has attained major milestones locally and internationally, thanks to efforts made by Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Priscah Mupfumira in promoting the country, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) said yesterday.
In an interview yesterday, ZTA head of corporate affairs Mr Godfrey Koti said the re-engagements targeted nations like South Africa, Kenya, China, Spain, Dubai, the United Kingdom, Germany and most recently Turkey.
“Going forward into 2019, the tourism sector predicts increased partnerships that will contribute to the growth of tourism in the country. The ministry continues to engage its counterparts in other countries in order to implement areas of interest for bilateral cooperation in the field of tourism. In this regard, the ministry has forged partnerships with Zambia, South Africa and Malawi for joint tourism destination marketing committees to buttress destination marketing efforts. The ministry, through the ZTA, also shared a draft,” he said.
Mr Koti said the industry launched the National Tourism Sector Strategy, an all-inclusive effort between the authority, METHI and tourism players.
The strategy gives direction to operations in the tourism industry.
“The authority, in conjunction with METHI, embarked on refurbishment of historical sites, notably renovation of graves of the famous Chinhoyi Seven. The ministry worked round the clock to craft and launch the National Tourism Master Plan. This strategic plan is aimed at unlocking tourism development, opening new frontiers for tourism investment and promotion of harmonious and coordinated growth and development of the tourism sector. The master plan handbook was launched by the Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Rtd General C.D.N Chiwenga,” he said.
He said ZTA, in partnership with Accoleisure (Private) Limited, launched a tourism services mobile phone application.
The application provides convenient access to services for tourists, both leisure and business.
It helps users identify, locate, view tourism services and products and be able to book and make payments.
“The technology gateway product is known as Accoleisure and is available on both Android and IOS operating software. It is also possible to make online visa applications as the application will provide immigration services support (in Zimbabwe) via e-visa platforms.
“It provides unlimited access to accommodation facilities, recreational facilities, resorts, sports, arts and culture activities as well as events, food and beverage and other shopping outlets. It has a special feature that provides access to emergency services for sub-Saharan African tourist destination countries,” said Mr Koti.
He said the sector launched community-based tourism, which is key in preserving the country’s cultural heritage and bringing in the much needed revenue.
“On the 5th of December, the President of the Republic or Zimbabwe launched the National Clean-up Campaign in Highfield, Harare. It was also declared that first Friday of every month be set aside as National Clean-up Day,” said Mr Koti.
Online Reporter