NRZ to showcase top-end passenger services at Hlanganani/Sanganai expo
THE National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) will be showcasing its top-end passenger services at this year’s Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Fair as part of efforts to promote tourism in the country.
The tourism expo to be held at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo will run from September 28 to October 1. Organiser of the event, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, has announced that exhibitors participating at this year’s fair have increased by 44 percent to 340 compared to 236 last year.
NRZ public relations manager, Mr Nyasha Maravanyika, said his organisation, a regular exhibitor at the country’s travel and tourism showcase, plays an important role in promoting domestic tourism.
He said the premier travel expo comes at a time when NRZ was seized with diversification into rail leisure and tourism as a potentially attractive sphere to its various stakeholders contributing to the country’s growing tourism industry.
“NRZ will be showcasing services offered by its passenger services during the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Travel Expo to be held in Bulawayo. Our passenger trains play a key part in the movement of tourists especially on the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls route. A number of tourists are opting to use the train to savour Zimbabwe’s scenery in a relaxed and unhurried manner,” said Mr Maravanyika.
“Buyers and visitors are urged to visit the NRZ stand in Hall 4 where the company is promoting topend market products offered by its passenger services which are premier class coaches, charter trains and rail leisure steam safaris.”
Under the premier class coach service, he said, NRZ has a fleet of luxury coaches that provide travel for passengers in greater comfort compared to other types of coaches.
“The premier class coaches feature carpeted corridors and compartments, shower facilities, beds and offer breakfast. It is like a hotel on wheels. The premier class coaches can accommodate up to 87 passengers,” said Mr Maravanyika.
Presently, he said, the coaches were available on request to groups who hire a minimum of a coach but plans were underway to offer a scheduled weekend service to Victoria Falls to ensure passengers have a memorable getaway to the country’s premier holiday resort.
“For those desiring a unique and special wedding or birthday party which will leave guests talking long after the event, NRZ trains are now available for hire under its charter train service. Previously, use of this service was dominated by foreign steam train enthusiasts.
“The NRZ is now opening the service to everyone, including locals who can hire its trains using either steam or diesel motive power for that special occasion,” he said.
People hiring a train would be able to travel to any destination of their choice as long as there is a railway line. NRZ also has a museum situated near Raylton Sports Club, which rail enthusiasts and neutrals will find fascinating, said Mr Maravanyika.
“The museum, within a walking distance from town, has historical locomotives, coaches and other exquisite relics,” he said.
On Sunday 1 October, NRZ has lined up a steam train for business executives, buyers and members of the general public to get a fresh breeze after the hectic five days of exhibiting and conventions at the travel expo. The steam train will run from Bulawayo Main Station to a nearby local destination within the 60-kilometre radius before returning for a dinner or braai at the Railway Museum.