Story by Fungai Jachi
ZIMBABWE and the Kingdom of Eswatini have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in tourism, a development expected to change the face of the two countries’ tourism sectors.
It was yet another milestone for Zimbabwe’s tourism sector as the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) signed a joint cooperation agreement with the Kingdom of Eswatini at the ongoing Africa Travel Indaba which kicked off in Durban, South Africa this Tuesday.
ZTA Chief Executive Officer Ms Winnie Muchanyuka and Eswatini Tourism Authority Chief Executive Officer Mrs Linda Nxumalo concur the MOU will boost the two countries tourism sectors.
“The MOU could not have come at a more opportune time as we look forward to gaining a lot of business from Eswatini. These agreements are what we want so that we know we have friends who share the same vision with us to grow our sector,” said Muchanyuka.
“We are excited to have done this with Zimbabwe as we look forward to sharing expertise on how we can boost tourism in both countries,” noted Nxumalo.
Ministers of tourism from the two countries challenged tourism authorities to implement what is spelt out in the agreement.
“It is one thing to sign and another to do what has been agreed on. We want to see the collaboration work as we work towards improving both countries’ tourism sectors,” said Zimbabwe’s Minister of Environment Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon Mangaliso Ndlovu.
Eswatini Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Hon Moses Vilakati noted, “Our relationship is growing stronger and we hope that this MOU will not go to waste. Action is what we want and we are hopeful that the two CEOs will ensure that the deal will be implemented.”
The signing of the tourism MOU comes after Eswatini Air launched a flight to Zimbabwe and King Mswati III officially opened the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, as the two countries continue to strengthen relations.
