Rain Forest Easter tourist figures drop

11 May, 2014 - 15:05 0 Views

The Sunday News

MORE than 4 700 tourists visited the rainforest in Victoria Falls during the four-day Easter holiday last month although operators in the resort town complain that they were being overburdened by requests for donations and complimentary activities.
Figures obtained in the town showed that 4 294 adults and 484 children visited the rainforest during the holiday.
Although comparative figures for last year could not be readily obtained, operators said the figure went down and most companies were being overwhelmed by the growing number of people who were seeking free services and donations.

Zimbabwe Council for Tourism Victoria Falls representative, Mrs Barbara Murasiranwa said most companies were under dire stress due to uncontrolled begging for free activities and money by many people and institutions in Victoria Falls.

“There are too many people and institutions that are going around companies with begging bowls.
“On average, we receive about 20 requests every month and some of them are for as high amounts as $3 000. It is really unfair as companies are struggling to make ends meet and there is no tax rebate for value which we give out,” she said.

Mrs Murasiranwa said Government must put measures against the begging mantra adding that it was best that only people with documents from the Department of Social Welfare be allowed to ask for free gifts.

“Stern measures should be put in place to curb this scourge. As companies, we are involved in a lot of socio-corporate responsibility activities but when you see multitudes coming in to beg for virtually everything, we are left with no other opinion except to suspect that some of the people are fraudsters.

“We suffer from these embarrassing moments especially around big events. Several individuals come in purporting to be representing institutions but I think that some are fraudsters. The Government should put a lid on these activities or else they should be asked to pay tax since they are getting income in excess of the minimum tax threshold,” she said.

Another business woman who spoke on condition of anonymity said she was tired of entertaining characters who come to her business every time when there are big occasions pretending to be collecting donations for institutions.
“I am tired of these fake people who come to me every time looking for donations. I am now very particular about who I give help.

“We have now agreed as a business community that if anyone comes to ask for donations and we are suspicious of them, we must report to the police,” she said.

Contacted for comment, the ZRP Victoria Falls district staff officer Chief Superintendent Jairos Chiona said that no reports of such activities had been reported to the police but said if anybody reported, the culprits may be arrested for fraud or extortion.

“There are no reports of such activities yet but if anyone was to report, the police may arrest those involved for fraud or extortion, depending on the circumstances,” he said.

Victoria Falls remains the best tourism centre in the country and records increased number of tourists especially during public holidays.

Nearly 17 000 tourists visited the rainforest during the festive season earning the country $270 000.
Tourism is among those sectors expected to record significant growth and contribute to the economic turnaround.
The sector expanded by 3,4 percent last year and is projected to grow up to 15 percent by 2015.

Share This:

Survey


We value your opinion! Take a moment to complete our survey

This will close in 20 seconds