Story by Tichaona Kurewa
THE tourism sector has recorded a significant increase in bookings for the Easter Holidays, a major boost as the country marches towards a US$5 billion tourism industry by 2025.
Accommodation service providers are reporting near-capacity bookings, with tour operators saying they are poised to break records this year.
This surge comes after a strong start to the year, with global conferences bringing in international visitors and boosting the local economy.
Zimparks spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo said, “We are almost fully booked for the Easter Holidays, and on average we are at about 80% interterms of bookings for accommodation and activities. Some of our resorts such as Nyanza and Vumba are already at 100% while others are at different stages.”
“We have almost 70% in terms of bookings for accommodation and activities from both groups and individuals who are coming. Hwange National Park is becoming more popular with game drives as clients can see almost all the big five,” said Gwango Safaris general manager, Mr Victor Mpala.
The Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) is banking on its members escalating marketing efforts to lure more traffic into various destinations across the country.
“There is need to advertise more ahead of the Easter Holidays. Instead of advertising availability or easter specials, they need to provide discounts for groups and start advertising just after Valentine’s Day, that is in February so that people start thinking ahead,” said HAZ’s first vice president, Ms Emmah Katihvu.
Zimbabwe continues to widen its tourism offerings to ensure tourists spend more nights in the country for the US$5 billion tourism industry to be realised by 2025.
