Story by Tichaona Kurewa
TOURISM players in Binga have attributed the increase in tourism activities in the area to the government’s infrastructure development programmes as well as events being hosted in the district.
The 2023 Culture Month launch was held in Binga in May with scores of people flocking to the district to attend.
The event came at a time government is upgrading various infrastructure such as roads and an airstrip in the district.
Tourism players in Binga have since described both developments as having unlocked the tourism potential of the district.
“We have seen a significant change in tourism here in Binga because we have had rehabilitation of the Binga airstrip. We have had a lot of private charters flying into Binga, and we have had a lot of activities for safaris, boat cruises and other recreational activities. We are expecting a 20 to 30% increase in room occupancy at the end of the year based on the fact that there has been a lot of marketing of the destination. Last month, we had a cultural month launched by His Excellency E.D. Mnangagwa has a rich culture that people are quite interested in,” said the manager of Batonga Villa, Mr Zilongezyo Muzamba.
“Compared to last year in terms of tourism in Binga we are seeing a boost, it’s a bit higher,” said the manager of Journey’s End, Mrs Iris Dube.
The conferment of local board status to Binga Centre is also expected to further unlock massive investment opportunities in the district which will have spill-over effects on the tourism industry.
Binga is endowed with various tourist attractions which include sand beaches, hot springs, wildlife, waterfront and a border with Zambia, which can facilitate trade and commerce via Namafulo Border Post on the Zambian side.
