Tourism News

'Zim serious in courting Asia, Pacific markets'

By Costa Mano

Zimbabwe’s successful participation at the recent China International Travel Mart 2009 edition is an indication of how serious the country is regarding the consolidation of the China, Asia and Pacific source markets.

The country was among the 180 delegations of exhibitors from 94 countries and regions participating at this prestigious tourism showcase in Asia.

China, unlike some of Zimbabwe’s source markets was not badly affected by the global recession leaving their nationals with more disposable incomes to spend on travel.

In an interview, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority head of corporate communications and public relations Mr Sugar Chagonda, who was part of the Zimbabwean delegation at CITM 2009 in Kunming China, said their main mission was to update the China-Asia Pacific market on the developments on the political front as well as destination awareness ahead of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

"We needed to let the market know that our country is now economically stable and ripe for investment. While we are known say in Beijing other places like the host, Kunming, might not know us as a destination and what makes the country unique," said Mr Chagonda.

He said Zimbabwe was now ranked among the top four African destinations together with Egypt, South Africa and Kenya, a clear-cut endorsement of the country as a competent tourist destination.

Mr Chagonda added that what was critical at the moment was for Zimbabwe to move with speed in the advancement of e-commerce regarding credit payment

systems, improved air access into the country and flawless Visa issuance systems.

An estimated 250 000 Chinese nationals are expected to visit Africa next year and Zimbabwe is set to get a large chunk of the share if the sticking points are attended to. The ZTA chief executive Karikoga Kaseke agreed with ZTA area manager for the Far East, Dr Taka Munyanyiwa that China was set to become the world’s leading outbound market of over 100 million by 2015 according to the World Tourism Organisation projections.

"It is important that we continue to aggressively promote the country’s tourism industry in order to carve our niche market in this populous nation of over one billion people. It is fundamentally important that as a destination we develop attractive packages to meet the growing needs of the Chinese market that include availability of multi lingual guides and oriental cuisine," said Dr Munyanyiwa.

He said that there was need to prepare for the 2010 World Cup with the Chinese visitors in mind as an estimated 10 000 Chinese nationals will travel to South Africa for the football showcase.

During the business days, meetings were held with key media houses and agents not only from China but as well as Indonesia, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Middle East who all showed great interest in the tourism resources of Zimbabwe.

Meetings were also held with China 2010 official ticket agencies who will soon after the final draw be launching their tour programmes that include Zimbabwe.

The packages will include both air and self/chauffer driven packages throughout the tournament period.

Apart from ZTA, the country was represented by African Sun, Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and Funo Safaris.