Tourism sector braces for festive boom

Published: 13 December 2017

TOUR operators in Victoria Falls will not increase charges during the festive season but offer special packages for group visitors who book for at least three activities.

The moves comes at a time when the tourism industry is experiencing a boom with hotel bookings reportedly now at 85 percent. Employers Association of Safari and Tourism Operators' president, Mr Clement Mukwasi, ruled out any price increases to clients.

"We are ready to stretch to full capacity. We are in a state of good preparedness and a combination of resources and manpower are in place to make sure that people who come here for the holiday enjoy," he said. "We have what is called 'Ticket to adventure' whereby people coming in as tourists are encouraged to book for activities in groups for them to access special packages. We are encouraging people to come and book in groups of families so that they can be eligible for discount or negotiate prices which are offered to people who book for three or more activities."

Mr Mukwasi could not be drawn into giving details about how much the discount would be. Some of the activities include helicopter flight, cruise, white water rafting, bungee jumping, bridge tour, bridge slide, gorge swing, guided tour of the Rainforest, village tour, boiling pot hike, game drives among others. Most cost between $50 and $200. A tour of the Rainforest costs $7 for locals, $20 for Southern African tourists and $30 for those from outside the region.

Usually, tourists from outside the country as well as locals visit resort areas including Victoria Falls for holiday while enjoying nature, wildlife as well as a number of activities offered by operators. Mr Mukwasi said while operators would be smiling all the way to the bank after the festive season, visitors should also leave satisfied by the service. He said bars and restaurants will not be hiking charges.

The resort town expects a boom in arrivals especially during the Christmas week where close to 10 000 tourists are expected for the iFix Victoria Falls Carnival to be held at Farm School. The festive season also means a lot of business for hotels and lodges as they are usually fully booked for the season.

Domestic tourists usually end up booking at private houses as local residents rent out their houses, cashing in on the demand. Operators usually encourage visitors to book in advance to avoid last minute hassles. Zimbabwe Tourism Association (ZTA) spokesperson Mr Sugar Chagonda said: "Generally there is an increase in terms of uptake of accommodation this festive season with most resort hotels in Nyanga and Victoria Falls at about 85 to 90 percent full."
- chronicle

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