Zimbabweans urged to market tourism brand

ZIMBABWEANS have been called upon to market the country’s tourism brand in order to boost foreign currency earnings.

Zimbabwe ambassador to Ghana, Ambassador Pavelyn Tendai Musaka, who was part of a delegation of buyers at the Sanganai/Hlanganani Tourism Expo, also challenged diplomats to take a leading role in marketing the country in their host nations.

Ambassador Musaka said there was a lot of renewed interest in the country’s tourism sector hence the need for concerted efforts by every Zimbabwean.

“Our Tourism Ministry is doing well but they are leaving out embassies. All diplomats must have a feel of the activities offered in the country and us as ambassadors should take a leading role in selling the Zimbabwe brand,” she said after participating in a sunset cruise here.

Ambassador Musaka said the country should grab the opportunity from a new lease of life being experienced in African tourism as a result the Agenda 2063.

Heads of State on the continent have agreed to integrate the continent and promote tourism.

“Marketing the country as a destination cannot be done without “command tourism” and every ambassador should play a part. It is now our duty to fill the airlines that have shown interest in flying into the country and to make sure that we market all events and activities on offer,” said Ambassador Musaka.

She said adopting a command model on tourism, similar to Command Agriculture, would promote the country’s tourism sector as everyone would put their effort towards its implementation.

Ambassador Musaka said the huge response to the just ended Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo, which was held in Bulawayo, was a sign the world seriously appreciates Zimbabwe products.

“It was my first time but you can tell that there is an increase in the number of foreign tourists. The message is clear hence we need to all work together,” she said.

The delegation, which was made up of buyers from a number of countries including Japan, Ghana, Tanzania and India among others, sampled a number of tour activities in the resort town. Yesterday the crew was due to inspect properties such as Victoria Falls Hotel and Kingdom Hotel as part of their brief to assess tourism capacity.

They also sampled night life, which of late has illuminated the resort town.— @ncubeleon