regions africa
Renewed interest in Zimbabwe
Is Zimbabwe poised for a tourism boom post-Mugabe or will election controversy damage it? Rachel Roberts reports
F
ormer President Robert Mugabe’s enforced resignation in November last year led to fresh hopes for the
southern African country’s beleaguered tourism industry. Perception has always been a challenging factor, with many potential visitors citing the unsettled political landscape and ethical concerns as reasons to stay away. Neighbouring countries like Botswana have benefited from the re-routed trade. Among challenges on the ground, the unstable economy has meant cashpoints are not guaranteed to issue money. The recent elections, mired in
controversy, were not the democratic breakthrough it had been hoped and the country suffered violent protests after the contested results. There have, however, been some
Hwange National Park attracts visitors for big five safaris
positive signs for the troubled country. “Contrary to popular belief, there has been a steady uptake in tourism over the past few years, and since Mugabe’s removal there has been a lot of renewed interest,” says Sean Kelly, owner of UK operator Zimbabwe Connections, which sells bespoke holidays to the destination, with South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and Botswana as add-ons. “Tour operators have been ham- strung by the perception that Zimbabwe is a violent country, but that’s a false impression. All reported violence since the 1980 elections has revolved around election intimidation. The people of Zimbabwe are generally warm and welcoming and outside of election times there has been very little negative to report on.” Mugabe’s successor, Emmerson Mnangagwa, nicknamed ‘the Crocodile’, announced plans late last year to inject several billion dollars into the country’s tourism economy. However, industry insiders say that many of his
promises, made as part of his expansive ‘Open For Business’ initiative, have yet to materialise and benefit the industry in any quantifiable way. Victoria Falls – one of the seven wonders of the world – remains Zimbabwe’s main tourism magnet, where a new $150 million airport opened in 2016. Big five safaris in locations such as Hwange National Park also drive demand, but the Zimbabwe Tourist Office (ZTO) is keen to promote other destinations including the Eastern Highlands,
72 wtm insights autumn 2018
Great Zimbabwe, Matobo National Park, Kariba and Mana Pools. Capacity may be a problem. Between them, the capital city of Harare, second city Bulawayo and Victoria Falls have 64% of the country’s total bedstock, with Radisson Blu set to boost that figure with a new Harare property in 2019.
Rising visitor numbers Zimbabwe received around
2,423,000 tourists in 2017, a positive 12% increase on the
Zimbabwe Connections’ Sean Kelly
previous year, with arrivals from other African countries accounting for just under two million of those. Europe was the most important source market outside the continent, contributing around 218,000 visitors.
China is a potentially lucrative emerging market for Zimbabwe, with long-standing investment interests in the country. It was one of 38 nations to benefit from relaxed visa rules in 2017, allowing visitors to obtain a visa at the port of entry. Asian countries as a whole accounted for just over 91,000 arrivals in 2017. If the destination can weather the post-election fallout, the ZTO is optimistic that figures will remain buoyant. Recent domestic trade shows such as Experience Africa proved successful, with African operators increasing programmes to Zimbabwe or including the country as an offering for the first time. The global picture is positive too, according to a ZTO spokesperson: “America and Europe are regaining
interest in Zimbabwe, and many of our operators and airlines are looking beyond the recent election, with activities lined up into 2019.” The ZTO has also revealed plans for expansion within the conference market, with new hotels and exhibition centres. Many in the industry agree, however, a paradigm shift in tourism will only occur when Zimbabwe is viewed as truly democratic. Zimbabwe Connections’ Kelly believes the lifting of sanctions would be the most important catalyst. “Approval by the British Government will be seen by the international community as a ‘tick of approval’. British Airways is very keen to reinstate flights to Zimbabwe [pulled in 2007], but will likely only do so with that official recognition.”
wtm.com
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