ZTA to digitalise

Oliver Kazunga Business Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA)plans to digitalise processes and value chains in the tourism and hospitality industry to increase efficiency and effectiveness through e-tourism.ZTA said there has been a lot of hype around the globe due to the phenomenon of social media and how it was changing the face of tourism.

“Over 70 percent of travellers are influenced by the Internet in making holiday choices. It is therefore pertinent that the tourism industry keeps up to date with the latest technology strategy,” said ZTA.

In line with its digitalisation agenda, the authority has invited internationally renowned social media company, WAYN and international travel bloggers to conduct a workshop during Hlanganani/Sanganai Travel Fair on the use of the social media in tourism.

This year’s Hlanganani/Sanganai starts from 10 to 12 October at the Harare International Conference Centre.
It said e-tourism created a platform through which stakeholders could interact.

“ZTA is focusing on the development of a number of e-tourism apps and facilitating the effective implementation of e-tourism tools.”
Meanwhile, the tourism authority yesterday said it was finalising the registration of stakeholders to attend the one-day Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (Mice) business forum on 10 October that will run alongside the Hlanganani/Sanganai World Travel and Tourism Fair.

Mice has become a major marketing tool and key driver of destination development and important generator of income, employment and foreign investment.