Air Zimbabwe flight resumption to Kariba boost tourism

06 Oct, 2014 - 09:10 0 Views
Air Zimbabwe flight resumption to  Kariba boost tourism

The Sunday News

air zimRoberta Katunga Senior Business Reporter
OPERATORS and hoteliers in the resort town of Kariba have seen a marked improvement in business since the resumption of flights by Air Zimbabwe amid revelations that stakeholders in the town have introduced new packages to cater for the new trends, an official said.Kariba Publicity Association chairman Mr Nigel Ncube said they were realising additional business that they previously did not have and have since introduced a new package for weekenders.

“We have noticed a new trend of tourists ever since resumption of flights into Kariba that is weekenders who come in on Fridays and leave on Sundays. Due to the numbers coming in during this period, tour operators have introduced packages to cater for this group,” said Mr Ncube.

He said those who were in the business of transferring visitors had seen a marked increase in airport transfers at times of about 40 people at a time and lodge owners as well as hoteliers had seen an increase in occupancy rates.

“We had a review meeting on Tuesday (last week) with tourism stakeholders and Air Zimbabwe officials and they were very happy with the interest being generated as a result of the resumption of the flight. Looking at the bookings and interest generated, the airline is considering increasing frequency from three times a week to daily flights,” said Mr Ncube.

Mr Ncube said a proper review would be done after another month so as to have a comparative period.

Chilten lodge manager Miss Faith Sigauke said there were more tourists and business delegates coming into Kariba.

“Business used to be very low here and at one time we had a meeting with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority about the Tourism Indaba and state of business in Kariba but we are happy with the improvement we are seeing. We are getting clients every week,” said Miss Sigauke.

Other operators said it was still too soon to tell whether resumption of the flights would improve business in the resort town but said they were receiving inquires from prospective clients who wanted to visit.

Air Zimbabwe re-launched its flight for the Harare- Kariba-Vic Falls route in August. The Harare- Kariba route was re-launched after a seven-year break and is being serviced by the 52-seater MA60 aircraft.

Plans are underway for the national carrier to resume flights to Hwange and Buffalo Range.

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