ZIMBABWE’S tourism industry has received a major boost after a leading global risk consultancy firm lowered the country’s travel risk rating from high to medium citing improvement in the security environment
Report by Mernat Mafirakurewa Acting Business Editor
In a trading update, Control Risk, which has a presence across five continents, said both statistical and anecdotal evidence showed a consistent decrease in levels of political violence, crime and social unrest.
Control Risk is an independent, global risk consultancy specialising in political, integrity and security risk.
It assists organisations in the world to understand and manage the risks and opportunities of operating in complex or hostile environments.
It said the travel security concerns for business personnel were considered to be related to criminality, the dangers associated with road travel and obstructionist or intrusive behaviour on the part of the authorities.
“Although enduring socio-economic grievances ensure that the country retains underlying conditions for outbreaks of social and political unrest in the longer term, it is noteworthy that incidents of political violence have decreased significantly in recent months,” the consultancy firm said.
“Although rallies and protests occasionally degenerate into low-level clashes, these have been less frequent than those experienced in neighbouring South Africa, Swaziland and Zambia and many disputes, particularly industrial walkouts, have been resolved peacefully.”
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Specific travel warnings are issued from time to time and vary in severity.
The consultancy noted that although the downgrading of the risk rating significantly lessened the potential risks to travellers, politics remained a delicate subject.
It said the inclusive government formed in 2009 had created a level of political stability, albeit precarious.
Tourism has been described as one of the vital pillars for transforming the country’s economy and is expected to grow by 3,9% this year.
Travel advice summary
- Normal travel can continue.
- Crime poses a foremost risk to travellers; take basic precautions at all times and in all areas. Be aware that criminals may be armed; if accosted do nothing to resist or antagonise your assailants.
- Avoid travel to low-income “townships” unless accompanied by a trusted local contact due to the increased levels of crime and political violence in such areas.
- Avoid all demonstrations and rallies as these can result in clashes between participants and the security forces.
- Politicised violence against foreigners is unlikely.
- Surveillance by the intelligence services is possible, particularly at border posts, government facilities and major hotels.
- Travellers should be aware that the security situation will continue to be fragile while political tensions persist, with the
potential for a significant deterioration.
