brand savvy with Stha
Zimbabwe is home to some fascinating tourist attractions that one should endeavour to visit in their lifetime. Among these are;
The majestic Victoria Falls, also known as Mosi Oa Tunya, meaning the smoke that thunders. It is also one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Lake Kariba is one of the largest artificial lakes in the world.
Great Zimbabwe monument in Masvingo is from where the country derives its name.
Gonarezhou — Chilojo Cliffs, which is also shared with Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park.
The Matopo National Park is located near Bulawayo. It is also home to the mystical Khami Ruins.
Hwange National Park is the biggest game reserve in the country and is home to the Big Five, namely the elephant, lion, rhino leopard and buffalo.
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The mystique Eastern Highlands.
These attractions are situated right in the heart of our warm and rich culture which in its own right is something that tourists want to explore. The activities that are found in these tourist places will leave you spellbound and absolutely refreshed. The country prides itself in ensuring that the tourists are safe at all times.
As an indicator of how Zimbabwe takes tourism seriously, the government put in place a Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, which is headed by Walter Mzembi, who is assisted by his deputy, Anastancia Ndhlovu. Their responsibility is to ensure that the tourism and hospitality industry works well to contribute to the country’s economy.
In their efforts to recognise and boost tourism in the country, the ministry in 2008 launched Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, which is referred to as Africa’s premier business exchange. The last expo was held in Bulawayo in June and was a resounding success. This brought about an opportunity for global tourism to converge in Zimbabwe.
The event was attended by a high calibre of international and regional buyers as well as exhibitors, who were showcasing tourism and hospitality industry products from their respective countries. I had the pleasure of being an exhibition judge at the expo and I can confirm that tourism in Zimbabwe is now a big deal. It is a sector that prides itself in continuous improvement. Recently it was reported that there was a 16% growth in the number of visitors that had entered Zimbabwe in the first quarter of 2016. This is something that we as Zimbabweans can be very proud of.
The tourism sector is supported by a great transport network, consisting of road and air transport that ensures that tourists reach their destinations easily and safely. The national carrier, Air Zimbabwe lands at an airport close to most of these tourist attractions where transport is available to connect to the exact site of the tourist attraction. There is, therefore, no excuse really not to get to one of these attractions before the year is out.
Zimbabwe is indeed a priority destination and I encourage all those people who have not visited our exciting tourist attractions and destinations to visit and experience the phenomenally endowed land of Zimbabwe. I also encourage all Zimbabweans to invite someone from outside to come and experience our local tourist spots. This sector will undoubtedly contribute to the broader economic stand of the country and make Zimbabwe great. We look forward to welcoming more and more visitors and we will be ready to say “welcome, siyalamukela, tigashire.”
Meanwhile, I met Erica Gwetai, a phenomenal writer by any standards. Her brand is so powerful in its own right besides the fact that she is the mother of the late Yvonne Vera, someone I used to admire a lot for her writing. I am humbled that people like Gwetai read this column. Through her wisdom she shared how this column can even be better. I am grateful for her quick lessons.
I value the feedback I continue to receive about the column and look forward to further interaction. In the meantime, please keep reading and remain brand savvy.
Stha Magida is contactable on email: [email protected]
