The Sunday News
Nkosilathi Sibanda, Business Correspondent
TRAVELLERS to Hwange have to acknowledge that there is more to indulge in other than sightseeing the savanna bushes and animals at the national park.
Eating out is now the in-thing that is drawing tourists to the centre of Hwange town after spending time either at the game reserve or Victoria Falls. A new food culture is leaving holidaymakers yearning for more as they indulge in a food tourism trend that is fast becoming a sought after pastime at Four Fingers Book Café restaurant at the mining town’s suburban Number 1 location.
For a first timer to the town, the Four Fingers eatery brands Hwange as the next food destination as the restaurant presents a hearty welcome to an exploration of food, culture and travel.
Inside the eatery is a splendour of ambience that is brought together by a contemporary design in the form of solid and attractive wall paint. While one waits a few minutes to whet their appetite, the restaurant’s surroundings offer a sentimental feel of a real kitchen. There is also free Wi-Fi and an in-house library.
That giddy feel of hunger is erased by the choice of both indigenous and exotic menus that few can expect in a town like Hwange.
According to owner, young entrepreneur Mr Kelvin Lunga, the restaurant is distinguished as the prime place that has been able to define a tourist’s eating experience.
Mr Lunga said he set sights at opening the restaurant after noticing that tourism is on the increase countrywide.
“You can never separate food and tourism. These connect a traveller to a place in a way that is arguably closer and more engaging than anything else they could encounter. Tourism is picking up and Four Fingers wants to promote food tourism in Hwange. This is good for us restaurant operators. At Four Fingers we aim to cultivate a culture of food tourism in Hwange.
Instead of travellers rushing to see the Victoria Falls, they can just pull over at Hwange town to experience a good meal, drinks or a glass of wine.
“As a business we want to engage tourists on how to immerse themselves into the culture and heritage of this region, making their travel experience memorable in a completely unique and personal way,” said Mr Lunga who is also an avid foodie and traveller.
He said it’s high time that players in the tourism industry in Hwange repackage their business and be creative so as to attract more travellers.
“There is an urgent need to suit the demands of today’s travellers. At Four Fingers we believe innovation set us apart from our competitors. The restaurant is a classic example of how to change the face of a town. Hwange is surrounded by the world acclaimed national park and many just know of it as a mining town. But that has to change.
“Tourists must get another feel of this culturally rich region. We have a food culture that is second to none and that is the reason why Four Fingers restaurant is bent on luring those tourists that want to whet their appetite.”
Interest in food has been steadily increasing among tourists worldwide. The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)’s Global Report on Food Tourism recorded that tourists are engaging their appetites and ultimately transforming food tourism in most parts of Africa.
UNWTO reckons that restaurants are offering a new global trend that is fuelled by countless unique food experiences posted on social media sites.
For Lunga, the long term vision is to draw like-minded entrepreneurs to take up the reins in the tourism industry.
“Our drive is to also market our facility globally. If the Government is advocating for an open business policy, it is a plus for Four Fingers restaurant to also push the country’s tourism record. By so doing businesses linked to gastronomy, culture and tourism are set to boom.
“Moving forward, we would want to work with tourism authorities and other stakeholders on how best to promote tourism by supporting eateries like Four Fingers that promote the travel industry,” said Mr Lunga.
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