Zimbabwe, A World of Wonders tourism brand launched

by Staff reporter

2012 March 21 17:22:53 | 886 Views

Vice President Joice Mujuru on Tuesday launched the country's national tourism brand 'Zimbabwe, A world of Wonders' at Lalit hotel in central Delhi during a well attended Zimbabwe Day dinner.

Mujuru, who was guest of honor at the ceremony, said the launch of the brand is in recognition of the Asian country, which is an important tourism source market to Zimbabwe.

She said the availing of the tourism brand in India, which is the 8th fastest growing economy in the world, will enable Zimbabwe to create synergies and enhance Zimbabwe's status as a prime tourist destination.

The national tourism brand, 'Zimbabwe, A World of Wonders,' is underpinned by Zimbabwe's unique people and culture, a rich history and heritage, the majestic Victoria Falls, the Great Zimbabwe ruins, wildlife and nature, the mystique of the Eastern Highlands, the Kariba Dam and the mighty Zambezi river.

Vice President said more should be done to market Zimbabwe to the Indian middle class population which has more than 300 million people, adding that with the Indian market coming to Zimbabwe, tourism is set to grow and realise its full potential.

"Zimbabwe and India continue to enjoy bilateral relations that date back to the liberation struggle and as such, it is prudent that we unveil this destination to you," she said.

She added that Zimbabwe's presence at the just-ended Outbound Travel Mart/Travel and Tourism Fair had afforded the country the rarest of opportunities to learn from a great tourist destination such as India and to network and attract tourists to Zimbabwe.

Vice President Mujuru said that the issue of access to Zimbabwe by air from India had been recently been resolved through the coming in of Emirates Airline which is now flying between Harare and Dubai three times a week.

Mujuru said, "I am also pleased to inform you that Lufthansa Airlines will be making a comeback to Zimbabwe albeit through a code of share arrangements with South African and Ethiopian Airways.

"These international airlines have a wide global network that will make Zimbabwe accessible," she said.

The opening up of the tourism market comes as Zimbabwe has started benefiting from a spirited campaign to re-engage with the international community through image building and destination marketing.

The efforts have seen the tourism sector registering close to 2,5 million visitors last year while an estimated 2,75 million visitors are expected by the end of 2012.

The country's efforts also received a major boost after it won the bid to co-host the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly with Zambia next year.

VP Mujuru said that the overall objective is to see Zimbabwe regain its position as one of the leading world class tourist destinations.

Meanwhile, Mujuru and her delegation have left New Delhi this Wednesday for Bangalore and Pune which are some of the most prominent industrial hubs in India.

During the visit, the delegation will tour a number of companies mostly those that are involved in agriculture, educational institutions as well as companies that produce irrigation equipment.

Brand Tourism

Source: zbc