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Deputy Minister Anastancia Ndhlovu

Brighton Gumbo Business Reporter
TOURISM and Hospitality Industry Deputy Minister Anastancia Ndhlovu has urged Japanese tour operators to exploit different tourism opportunities in Zimbabwe and the Sadc region. Japan is an important source market for Zimbabwe and Sadc as it generates over 60,000 tourist arrivals annually into the region.

Speaking during the just ended Japanese Association of Travel Agents (JATA) tourism expo in Tokyo, Japan, Ndhlovu said it was important to note that governments in Sadc have placed tourism high on development agendas.

“The Southern African region has diverse tourism attractions to meet any expectations of the Japanese travellers. I therefore urge operators and investors alike to take advantage of the opportunities presented not only in Zimbabwe but in the whole region.

“My government for instance, is in the process of setting up special tourism economic zones and I invite you to come and invest in these areas that enjoy special incentives,” she said.

In Zimbabwe, Ndhlovu said, tourism had been accorded priority status and the government was committed to the development of the sector.

She pointed out that issues surrounding facilitation of travel and access to markets in the destination among others were being looked into.

“I’m pleased to say that these issues are already receiving attention from all our governments. Visa requirements are being reviewed while local operators are working on their product to meet the market needs. Governments in the region are progressively opening their skies to improve access,” Ndhlovu said.

For the first time this year, Sadc countries have exhibited jointly at JATA Tourism Expo under the banner of the Regional Tourism of Southern Africa (Retosa).

Minister Ndhlovu led the Zimbabwe delegation that included Givemore Chidzidzi, the chief operating officer with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority to the JATA tourism expo.

Retosa executive director Simbarashe Mandinyenya said efforts were being made through partnerships to support the sustainable tourism development for the region and also to secure the much needed marketing technical support.

“A target to grow the market to more than 500,000 Japanese tourists per annum by 2020 was set and a marketing and strategic plan to penetrate and grow the Japanese market for the region is already being developed with the Japan International Cooperation Agency,” he said.

The Japan Association of Travel Agents Tourism Expo is a four-day extravaganza with the first two days reserved for the trading business and the last two days open to the public.

Zimbabwe’s participation at this prestigious fair was among others premised on strengthening the country’s position in the market through the new destination brand “Zimbabwe A World of Wonders”, establishing new business contacts and above all correct the negative perceptions about the destination.