Tourism boost for Kariba

TOURISM in Kariba is on the rebound with the first quarter performance showing an average room occupancy of above 60 percent on the back of progressive reforms and goodwill towards the new political dispensation.

Operators in the resort town have introduced discounted accommodation and activity rates in adjustments countering perceptions that the destination is expensive.

This comes at a time when investment in infrastructure is increasing including construction of new lodges and boats as investors forecast growth in the tourism industry.

Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe president, Mr Innocent Manyera said Government reforms and plans to upgrade or build a new airport in Kariba have sent the right signal to players in the tourism industry.

“With the reforms that Government has put in place including the removal of road blocks and considerations to upgrade or build a new airport in the town among other things has helped to breed anticipation,” he said.

“Statistics for the first quarter show that occupancy was averaging just above 60 percent and that is an improvement from the previous year where it was below 60 percent.”

Some hotels, Mr Manyera said, are fully-booked for the winter period as people are attracted by the relatively warm temperatures in the Zambezi Valley during winter compared to other parts of Zimbabwe.

The hotels have also introduced discounted accommodation rates which are attracting conferences, schools and churches which have helped boost the number of visitors.

Kariba Publicity Association spokesperson Mr Laiton Kandawire said tourism stakeholders in the resort town were bullish.

“The economic situation is not the best at the moment, but the general feeling among players is that of optimism because the new dispensation is bringing the reforms which they have always been crying for,” he said.

“Strangely, the economic situation has seen investment in things such as lodges and bringing in new boats as people are confident that the operating environment can only improve.”

Kariba is set to host the Nyaminyami Festival sometime in June which is expected to help market the destination.