Story by Mhlomuli Ncube
Government says the Meet and Greet Concept where tourists are welcomed personally by the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry is a culmination of a transformative growth plan for the sector.
The Tourism Meet and Greet initiative has also excited tourists who expressed joy at the country’s hospitality approach.
Many visiting Zimbabwe’s tourism capital Victoria Falls testify of a great welcoming moment which is unique and places the country at the pinnacle of destinations to visit.
“I am travelling from California, USA and am visiting Zimbabwe to see the Victoria Falls. Thank you for the amazing gift, we love it,” a tourist told the ZBC News.
Another said, “I come to Zimbabwe, it’s amazing, lots of good people and great attractions to see. It’s been amazing, when we landed at the airport we were given beautiful smiles and given cold water and drinks, that was amazing, I absolutely love being here and looking forward to coming back again.”
To government, this is a plan conceived and carefully crafted over time. It simply involves direct contact with the visitors in a truly Zimbabwean way.
“We are welcoming people within the programme that we call, ‘Meet and greet’ in our ministry. We started this programme last year as a pilot and we are going to be running this programme every peak period for tourists within our country. I’m very happy to say it’s amazing how people love to come to Zimbabwe. What we have been doing this year is being appreciated by people coming into the country,” said the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honourable Barbara Rwodzi.
Known for its great hospitality, Zimbabwe also offers unique tourism packages which attract both domestic and foreign visitors.
The country always records high arrival figures in the festive season, with most of its destinations fully booked during the period.
A proudly, ‘Welcome to Zimbabwe’ moment is the crucial icing on the cake as it sets tourists up for once in a lifetime adventures only experienced in the country’s natural endowments.
