10 March 2009

Zimbabwe tourism chief laments airline blockade

HARARE - Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive Karikoga Kaseke has revealed that three airlines, Nationwide from South Africa, Malaysian and Emirates, were told they were not welcome in the country as authorities moved to protect Air Zimbabwe.

"The benefit the airlines could have brought to the economy in terms of traffic, revenue and tourists telling the true Zimbabwean story could have been very significant," said Kaseke.

"Reasons such as 'we are protecting our airlinesÃ¢â¬â¢ were cited. What are we protecting it (Air Zimbabwe) from?

Ã¢â¬ÅâœThey should learn to compete with other airlines. That is the only way they can remain competitive," said Kaseke.

Air Zimbabwe currently has four planes flying -- two Modern Ark (MA) 60s, Boeing 737 and a long haul 767.

A total of 18 international airlines have left the country since the economic crisis and negative publicity about Zimbabwe started 10 years ago.

These include Lufthansa, Qantas, Austrian Airlines, Swissair, Air India, Air France and TAP Air Portugal. Plus a swag of African airlines.

Kaseke said the tourism sector had the potential to be among the leading foreign currency earners in the country.

"Areas that need urgent attention in the industry are its pricing structure. We are the most expensive in the region.Ã¢â¬~

Kaseke said 2008 was one of the worst years in the history of the tourism industry in Zimbabwe and "preliminary results so far are not pleasing".

"Events after the March elections and the cholera outbreak were some of the major contributors to the setbacks. A total of 17 conferences were cancelled last year,Ã¢â¬~ he said.

African Sun chief executive Shingi Munyeza said,"In Europe with 50 pounds, one can visit more than one country but in Zimbabwe with the same amount you cannot cross the border.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœIn Zimbabwe for one to go to Kariba it is a week's plan. That should be a thing of the past.Ã¢â¬~

Munyeza said after the nine years of isolation, the industry depended on local tourists who could not afford most destinations, food and hotel bills.

He said this was despite the fact that locals paid about 10 percent of what international tourists were paying.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœNow they are paying 30 percent of what foreigners are paying. Price distortions should be a thing of the past as we improve our infrastructure and make our destinations affordable," Munyeza said.

Source:allAfrica.com