eBusiness Weekly
Michael Tome
HARARE – Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe has implored authorities to find lasting ways that encourage successful domestic travel and tourism, particularly unlocking locals’ ability to visit resort areas in the length and breadth of Zimbabwe.
The pronouncements come at a time when the country is experiencing turbulent economic times, marked by price fluctuations across the vital areas of the economy and tourism sector has not been spared.
Addressing a press briefing yesterday in the capital, Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe president Tich Hwingwiri said authorities should urgently address price spikes and unavailability of vital commodities used in day to day processes of the tourism industry.
High priced and inaccessible supplies have led to expensive holidaying that is beyond the reach of many average Zimbabweans
“We need to make certain that ways and means that encourage domestic travel are found, that all Zimbabweans benefit not only from having a successful travel and tourism sector but also from being able to travel across their own homeland.
“Tourism sector has been affected by higher inputs costs, especially of goods required to sustain operations, we wish to return to a point where products and services are readily available so that we focus on growing the industry and move away from the current scenario of crisis management,” said Mr Hwingwiri.
Furthermore, the Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe has come up with areas that need active support encompassing critical areas like repatriation of airline funds (debt settlement) and ease of access to essential supplies that are essential for everyday undertakings in the travel and tourism sector.
This development come at the backdrop of loud pleas to make domestic tourism affordable to the locals who have limited disposable incomes.
“Goods and services essential to travel and tourism sector must be availed at best possible prices, authorities have to look at what is needed for operators to run their businesses with affordable inputs and easy access to these inputs as that will translate to low-priced domestic tourism.
“Also obstacles to tourism growth must be addressed and eliminated like position regarding the repatriation of funds to airlines from ticket sales generated in Zimbabwe,” he said.
