Zimpapers Logo

Nkosilathi Sibanda, [email protected]

THE much awaited Binga beach volleyball tournament has been identified by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) as one of the events that will help boost domestic tourism in the country.

This year’s edition will be held on December 2.Organisers are expecting huge crowds as they have already got to a good marketing head start, with stakeholders in the sport and tourism industries having agreed to work hand in glove for the successful running of the tournament.The beach area of the Zambezi River where the tournament will be played is managed by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (Zimparks).ZTA has committed its support for such tournaments done on areas awash with tourist attractions.

Spokesperson for the organising team Recent “Ringo” Ncube told Zimpapers Sports Hub they were expecting more than 10 teams from the country’s provinces. Teams affiliated to the Zimbabwe Volleyball Association (ZVA) and those from secondary schools, tertiary education institutions are expected to register.

“The Binga volleyball tournament is on this December. We chose the first weekend of the month for the event. As of now, we are busy on marketing and logistical preparations. More teams are expected and it promises to be a bigger event than last year.

“We are proud to announce that this time around we have partnered with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority who are eager to use the tournament as part of the campaign to promote domestic tourism. This will help in growing the tournament’s visibility, at the same time attract teams from far and wide to participate. We, as the community of Binga are proud of that,” said Ncube.

Using sport events to promote tourism is one of the key elements of the National Tourism Strategy and the concept is emphasised in the country’s economic blueprint, the National Development Strategy (NDS-1). ZTA’s Matabeleland North regional manager Daniel Mumpande said they will use major sporting events in the province to seek ways of increasing domestic tourism through the Zim Bho campaign.

“The Zim Bho campaign that is done by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority fits in well with sports tourism. Sporting events boost tourism as we get more local travellers coming from all over the country to enjoy their favorite game. Sports tourism brings impetus to domestic tourism and as such we are always ready to partner events such as the Binga volleyball tournament,” said Mumpande.

Ncube said they have been doing campaigns to lure residents of Binga and those staying in nearby villages to come and be part of the event.

“The Binga beach belongs to the people of Binga, as such it will be a great experience for them to come and watch the tournament. If residents of Binga appreciate the event, the better it will be for the growth of the sport.

“Invitations will be sent to schools as we feel that promoting beach volleyball in our schools is going to help in setting up teams that can turn professional in the coming years. Volleyball is not played that much in Binga,” he said. — @NkosieLegend