Zim to partner US to increase tourist arrivals

Published: 10 July 2014

The Zimbabwean Government is set to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United States to promote tourism between the two countries, an official has said.

Addressing journalists at his office Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Walter Mzembi said the MoU will twin the Victoria Falls and the Niagra falls and help boost tourism inflows from the US.

"Statics shows that the US has the uppermost number of tourists who visit Zimbabwe, but the number is declining in 2012 the country received 50 060 thousand.

"Last year, Zimbabwe received 45 496 tourists from the US which shows that there is a decrease in arrivals," he said.

Mzembi added that the partnership between the two countries will promote the exchange of culture, marketing of products, training of personnel and cooperation between the two nations to promote trade and tourism.

"The main reason for this discussion is to promote tourism between two countries which is now having a gap due to the relationship between the two nations.

"USA and Canada through the Niagra falls they receive more than 25 to 35 thousand per year as compared to one million received in Victoria Falls per year so through partnership the number of arrivals is going to increase", he said.

Minister Muzembi added that since China and India were amongst the top arrivals to Niagra Falls, then the twinning arrangement would also benefit Zimabbwe in terms of tapping into that market.

US ambassador to Zimbabwe Bruce Walton said Zimbabwe will benefit from the extensive number of US tourists.

"Americans have invested in the tourism sector in Zimbabwe so the partnership can increase business transactions between the two nations through tourism," said ambassador Wharton.

Ambassador Wharton also pledged to market Zimbabwe to different stakeholders in US so as to increase the number of arrivals in the country and create economic development through tourism.
- BH24