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Francis Ngwenya

Clement Mukwasi Business Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe Council for Tourism (ZCT) has hailed the 2015 national budget and the launch of the KAZA-Univisa saying this will see the resort town becoming the most preferred destination in the world.

Speaking on the sidelines of the launch of the KAZA-Univisa in Victoria Falls at the weekend, the Zimbabwe Council for Tourism president Francis Ngwenya said:

“This is a very well thought out budget which has taken the voice of our sector into being. The exclusion of Value Added Tax on tourist earnings is what we have been advocating for and we are glad the Minister of Finance and Economic Development heard our voice.

“The extension of Statutory Instruments that create free rebate on imported capital goods and motor vehicles is very welcome. We, however, wanted it to be extended to car hire companies as well,” he said.

Ngwenya said the tourism industry was poised for growth beyond the projected 4.7 percent due to the free movement of people between Zimbabwe and Zambia brought about by the Uni-visa system.

“This sector may grow beyond the 4.7 percent set by the ministry if there’s full capacity utilisation of current facilities and creation of more hotel rooms. The development of the new airport terminal and the Univisa programme are also going to help us to even double or treble current arrivals,” he said.

Operators have gone into overdrive as they have started interpreting and communicating the good news to the international travel agencies.

In a circular sent out to the market, one of the tour and adventure operators in Victoria Falls, Shearwater Adventures, said: “In a brilliant triumph of progressive logic, Zimbabwe and Zambia have launched the Univisa starting November 28 2014 for the 40 category B visa countries which include most of the main source market countries.

“This means that any nationals listed in these countries can purchase a single $50 visa and travel freely between the two countries and visit Botswana for a day trip without paying re-entry fees for an unlimited number of times within 30 days”.