Story by Stanley James, Business Editor
ZIMBABWE is proving to be a destination of choice for tourists and investors after the country recorded an increase of over 30% in air flights during the second quarter of the year.
According to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency’s (ZIMSTAT) transport statistics report covering April to June this year, global airlines’ confidence in Zimbabwe is on a growth trajectory.
The data shows that all airports in Zimbabwe recorded brisk business in terms of flights, with the country also recording an over 13% increase in passengers to more than 436,000 during the period under review.
Association of Zimbabwe Travel Agencies member, Mr Ignatius Matungamire said growth in flights indicates a positive response by global operators to government pro-business policies.
“Such trends are most welcome, and they send positive signals about what is being done by the government to accelerate growth. Remember, airlines to the country had been on a subdued note but the current trend showing significant growth is a positive reflection of authority commitment to building confidence in the country and unlocking value to the travel operators in the country,” he said.
Tourism consultant Mr Stan Huggins spoke on the benefits of the increase in air flights to the tourism sector.
He said, “Such a development has multiplier effects in as much as to what can be done to sustain growth, will it bring more investors? Basically, it benefits tourism because all the people coming to the country will also visit the resort areas. Furthermore, hotels stand to benefit immensely from such positive results with the economy earning more foreign currency.”
Experts believe the increase in the number of flights coming to Zimbabwe is being driven by growth in global tourism, international investors, hosting of conferences, and Zimbabweans living abroad.
