Stephen Ephraem
CHIPINGE – The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), a government arm whose mandate is to market the country’s tourism sites, has said the country remained a safe destination despite the post-election turmoil that happened in Harare on August 01.
This was said by ZTA chief executive officer (CEO), Dr Karikoga Kaseke, in a statement issued earlier this week.
“The authority sincerely regrets the loss of lives during the disturbances and extends its deep condolences to the bereaved families. Tourism thrives in a peaceful environment and as such, ZTA does not condone any form of violence at all and joins the rest of the nation and international community to condemn the perpetrators of violence in the strongest terms,” said Kaseke.
The ZTA boss said that the skirmishes only affected selected areas and not the whole country.
“The disturbances were restricted to the central business district of Harare and the rest of the country remain peaceful and all our tourist resorts are undisturbed by the state of affairs in the capital city.
“We would like to urge all travellers to Zimbabwe and those currently in the country to [continue] to conduct their business as the situation is back to normal. Leisure travellers are therefore advised to stay calm and enjoy their experience in this country,” said Kaseke.
Meanwhile, ZTA Manicaland has embarked on a marketing drive of the eastern province, with the branch manager, Ropafadzo Dunira and marketing officer, Tsitsi Madzungo visiting Chipinge this week to gain a deeper insight into the district’s tourist attractions.
They said their marketing drive will cover all the seven districts of Manicaland.local
