The Sunday Mail
Prince Mushawevato
ZIMBABWE Tourism Authority (ZTA)’s decision to host three consecutive editions of Sanganai/Hlanganani Tourism Expo in Bulawayo will go a long way in promoting the region as a sound and safe destination. Bulawayo is the centre of Matabeleland region, which comprises the whole western Zimbabwe from the South African border in the south to Victoria Falls in the north.
And the region boasts of world class attractions that are unfortunately not being fully exploited. It is in Matabeleland that one finds the majestic Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Binga hot springs and beach, Matobo Hills (which houses Cecil John Rhodes’s grave) and the Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre, situated just out of the Central Business District (CBD) off Old Victoria Falls road.
Also, as part of the package in Bulawayo, one can visit the Natural History Museum, National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Khami National Monuments, Umguza Nature Reserve and Chipangali Wildlife Sanctuary. Makokoba Township will give visitors a feel of township tourism.
But despite the aforesaid world class attractions, the region is according to ZTA chief executive Karikoga Kaseke registering a sharp decline in its tourism economy. The predicament is mainly due to a tumble in both domestic and foreign arrivals.
“The region is no longer performing as well as it used to. We want Matabeleland to regain its lost status and this Sanganai/Hlanganani Tourism Expo is one of the strategies we are employing for that to happen. It is our hope that after three years the event will have revived the tourism economy in Bulawayo,” said Kaseke.
“Sanganai/Hlanganani is not only targeting foreigners but also locals. This is why I’m suggesting that we come up with prizes to visit local destinations for the general public so that they get to appreciate tourism.”
Indeed there is need for the tourism authority to direct a reasonable amount of resources towards domestic tourism promotion. Of course, the prevailing cash shortages have contributed towards crippling the sector but a close look reveals the culture of leisure travel is alien to many locals. Matabeleland residents, just like their counterparts in other parts of the country consider tourism to be a preserve for foreigners. A snap survey conducted by this publication during Sanganai/Hlanganani indicate that a sizeable number of residents in Bulawayo have not been to places like Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park or even Matobo Hills, which is a spitting distance from the Bulawayo CBD.
“Yindawo zamakhiwa lezo (those are places for whites) that we cannot afford. We are very much comfortable emalokitshini (townships),” said Thembisani Bhebhe.
The tourism expo, however, tried to demystify these misconceptions. Exhibitors in accommodation, airlines, tertiary institutions, hunting and safari operators, Government institutions and parastatals gave information explaining various packages for different classes on offer.
“It is our wish that locals participate in tourism just as much as foreigners. This is the only way that the tourism sector can grow. Here (stand); we are trying to advertise the packages that we have to potential buyers. Everything is packaged in flexible ways to suit various needs,” said an official from Munda Lodge.
