Tourism sector looks forward to Routes Africa 2014

13 Apr, 2014 - 00:04 0 Views
Tourism sector looks forward  to Routes Africa 2014

The Sunday News

victoria fallsNgonidzashe Chiutsi Tourism Correspondent
PLAYERS in the tourism sector have expressed optimism that the Routes Africa 2014 forum to be held in the resort town of Victoria Falls in June will come up with resolutions that can improve movement of tourists into the country.Routes Africa is the largest route development forum for Africa where airlines, aviation, tourism and government representatives from the continent meet to explore opportunities to develop the aviation industry.

The event is organised by Government through the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe.

In an interview, Beneath Africa Travel and Tours managing director Mr Ranjis Nyakusengwa said as tourism operators they would appreciate seeing the re-opening of local airstrips that were no longer operating due to depressed business.

“Our request to this conference is for participants to push for the re-opening of local airstrips that include Hwange and Kariba. Yes we are providing the road transfers to and from Kariba, but tourists should have a choice.

They should choose whether they want to fly or use the road,” said Mr Nyakusengwa.

He, however, said they preferred tourists to travel by road so that they could explore the true nature of the country.

“If they travel by road they would also be able to learn the local culture.”

Some of the invited and confirmed airlines for the event include American Airways, Emirates, and Air Turkey.
Mr Nyakusengwa said the participation of American Airways was going to help in perception management.

“The confirmation of American Airways will make those Americans who never visited Zimbabwe think twice. We hope those who will come can go back and tell the true Zimbabwe story,” he said adding that the success of this conference would also improve the number of flights into Zimbabwe, mostly to Victoria Falls.

Another tourism player, Mlibizi Hotel manager in Binga, Mr Maxmillan Chigubhu, said they were in the process of renovating the Mlibizi airstrip in anticipation of tourists.

He said there were a number of breathtaking tourism sites that the delegates could fly and see in Binga.

“We have many spectacular sites that people could come and see here. We have the hot springs, bird watch and we have boat cruise activities,” he said.

“We have the best road and mobile network. Our hotel has a capacity to host 50 people per day. We also have other lodges in the area that can also host  people,” he said.

Mlibizi Hotel is one the leading hotels in Binga and has played host to many high profile delegates and government officials.

The state-of-the-art hotel is located along the Zambezi River in Binga.

About 400 to 500 delegates are expected to attend the Routes Africa 2014 forum.

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