The Sunday Mail
Prince Mushawevato
INTERNATIONAL buyers and journalists that graced the just ended Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo confirmed beyond doubt, the tourism potential in former president Robert Mugabe’s brand.
The founding father of Zimbabwe passed on September 6, 2019 at Gleneagles Hospital, Singapore, where he was receiving treatment.
His body arrived in the country on 11 September, with the 12th edition of Sanganai/Hlanganani running from September 12 to 14.
What became apparent throughout the tourism fair was the need to immortalise former president Mugabe’s legacy.
Hundreds of the visiting buyers and several international journalists at the expo were keen on attending funeral proceedings.
They were also eager to visit the former president’s final resting place before returning to their countries of origin.
Hence, construction of the fallen liberation icon’s mausoleum not only shows respect, but will also bring a fresh tourism perspective. After completion, tourists from across the globe will want to visit the mausoleum.
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) head of corporate affairs ,Godfrey Koti reckons the former leader is a tourism brand.
“I’m not sure how far the mausoleum plans have gone, but we are calling upon the tourism industry to innovate around former president Mugabe’s grave,” urged Koti.
“If someone can come up with a package to include it on their tourism trail and circuit, that will be great. Remember, we already have the Robert Mugabe museum in Highfield. The mausoleum will make it a complete tourism package.”
Presidential mausoleums are a crucial tourism aspect in some African countries.
The Kwame Nkrumah mausoleum and memorial park, located in downtown Accra, the capital of Ghana, was last year included on the World List of Tourist Attractions for its popularity with tourists.
In Zambia, tourists part with at least US$15 to enter into the Presidential Burial Site National Monument.
The mausoleum is where the late Zambian Presidents Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, Fredrick Chiluba and Michael Sata are buried.
Down South, Nelson Mandela’s history has also been immortalised through a grave-site in Qunu in rural Eastern Cape.
There are a lot more other examples, including those in Europe, where even world war sites have been preserved. Koti encouraged tourism players to adopt the tourism concept.
“From a community point of view, they need to capitalise on this development. Operators must be in a position to identify products that can be added to existing tourism products that include wildlife and natural wonders.
“Responsible authorities need to take cognisance of former president Mugabe’s brand in tourism. We have an enshrinement programme currently running in the country, we are encouraging private players to come on board,” said Koti.
Air Zim’s fresh deal to improve connectivity
It is not easy to run a thriving tourism industry without a sound domestic air connection system.
Destinations like Kariba, the majestic Eastern Highlands and Masvingo have always played second fiddle to mighty Victoria Falls.
While the resort areas are not less attractive, they are suffering due to poor air network.
Air Zimbabwe corporate communications officer, Firstme Vitori said plans are afoot to correct the anomaly.
For this year’s edition of Sanganai/Hlanganani, Air Zimbabwe was the official airline for domestic travel.
“Apart from being an exhibitor, we also partnered ZTA as we continue to facilitate tourism, investment and trade. We partnered them as the official airline for the domestic travel linking Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. We welcomed on board several exhibitors as well as regional and international buyers from as far as Uganda, South Africa, Tanzania and India,” said Vitori.
The Air Zimbabwe official said during exhibitions, they focused on upcoming products that are set for launch by year end.
“Our key focus has been the pre-launch of the Flame Lily Hoppa, which has been birthed from a partnership with Mack Air of Botswana. This partnership involves the launch of daily domestic flights linking Victoria Falls to Harare, Kariba, Hwange and other major tourist destinations in Zimbabwe,” revealed Vitori.
The Transitional Stabilisation Programme identifies tourism as a key economic pillar, with tourists arrivals expected to reach five million.
By 2030, it is projected that the sector will be contributing 15 percent to the gross domestic product (GDP). Currently, tourism is contributing eight percent.
First-class accommodation
guaranteed
Bulawayo-based Umthombo Lodge, who were first time exhibitors at Sanganai, said the speed networking sessions conducted at the expo exposed them to new clients and business ideas.
Umthombo Lodge has joined the country’s fast growing serviced apartment business.
Situated in the Hillside area and a spitting distance from the Central Business District, the lodge offers hotel amenities.
Clients are free to book for a duration of their choice.
The lodge can easily accommodate a gathering of between 300 and 450 people.
Through a fully-equipped kitchen, a spacious sitting room, satellite television connection, well-furnished bedrooms, reliable Wi-Fi and a standard swimming pool, the lodge has become a top choice for guests.
There are plans to increase the number of rooms.
Umthombo manager Kudakwashe Deketeke said: “Our thrust is to provide world class standards. Apartment tourism is fast growing and this place is tailor-made and provides a five-star service. The environment is peaceful. We also offer shuttle services.”
To date, the lodge has hosted nationals from across the globe.
