GZ targets 50pc increase in tourist arrivals

TOURIST arrivals here have been on the increase as various strategies implemented by the Government under the plan to attract at least 3 million new arrivals in the country this year, continue to bear fruit.

The Great Zimbabwe National Monuments recorded 60 000 visitors between January and November this year compared to 35 000 last year.

National Museums and Monuments’ provincial director (Masvingo) Mr Lovemore Mandima said the increase in tourist arrivals showed the massive confidence that visitors have in the country’s security and hospitality.

He also attributed the rise in the number of local tourist visiting the ruins to school trips that are being organised since the new curriculum had components of heritage.

“Since January to date, a total of 61 474 tourists visited the Great Zimbabwe monuments almost beating the 2017 figure of 61 676 but we still have a few days before the year ends,” said Mr Mandima.

“Actually, we expect to record a 50 percent increase in tourist arrivals at the monuments by year-end. You will note that December is busier than the other months. Between October and November, the monuments received over 19 000 visitors, a slight increase compared to the same period last year.”

He said the Great Zimbabwe ruins were likely to get more visitors after recently getting a facelift following an injection of US$475 000 from the United States government towards the restoration of the structures at the heritage site.

The grant was recently signed by the United States ambassador, Mr Brain Nichols at a ceremony held at the Ancient City.

It is reported that besides restoring some of the falling structures, the grant will be used to modernise security systems, combat lantana camara and training of personnel on how to preserve the monuments.