Story by Tichaona Kurewa
THE Kavango–Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) has revealed that it is developing a regional brand to jointly market the five countries that are part of the tourism zone.
The KAZA is home to approximately half of Africa’s savannah elephants, estimated at 220 000 and spanning over five Southern African countries namely Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, Botswana, and Angola.
In an interview with ZBC News this Tuesday on the sidelines of the weeklong familiarisation tour by 40 travel agents from Germany, KAZA officials noted the advantages of joint marketing initiatives to improve efficiency and economies of scale.
“KAZA has part of its vision the promotion of this landscape as a globally competitive and attractive tourism destination. To that fact, the need to cooperate in terms of an integrated approach to joint marketing and awareness activities on KAZA is obviously without any second thoughts, it is critical. We have started working on a destination brand for KAZA and we should be done by year’s end. This is important because KAZA as a region needs to be marketed as a whole. There are certain features which are unique to particular states or areas within KAZA,” said Kavango-Zambezi Executive Director Dr Nyambe Nyambe.
Zambia and Botswana tourism authorities indicated that the joint marketing initiative is a step in the right direction.
“This is the way to go, we have seen it working elsewhere and we will certainly receive increased tourists in the region benefitting communities. This will enable KAZA member states to speak with one voice,” said Zambia Tourism Agency, Tourism Promotions Manager, Mr Justin Mbanga.
The region is endowed with natural wonders such as the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and the Okavango Delta in Botswana.
