THE image of Victoria Falls was boosted by the influx of tourists from abroad during the festive season and New Year holidays ahead of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly in August, mayor Nkosilathi Jiyane said yesterday. Report by Richard Muponde Senior Reporter
Jiyane, who is also chairman of the UNWTO local organising committee, was upbeat about the positive image of the resort town and its endorsement by tourists.
“The holidays were quite good,” he said.
“Judging by the bookings which were made, all hotels were fully booked.
“It was not only international tourists, but local ones too who flooded the resort town.
“I had a torrid time finding accommodation for other mayors who visited the town for the holidays.
“I was talking to tourism operators. They said they had brisk business.
“However, they said the challenge was on other activities as both international and local tourists didn’t spend much on bungee jumping, elephant rides and cruises.
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“Maybe it is because of the cash crunch.”
Victoria Falls roared into life last Saturday as several musicians descended on the country’s premier resort town for an all-night gig to mark the beginning of the Victoria Falls Carnival, precursor to the UNWTO meeting to be held in August.
Several artistes, among them, sungura maestro Alick Macheso, gospel diva Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mushavave, Sandra Ndebele, Jah Prayzah, Winky D, Sulumani Chimbetu, Mbare Chimurenga Choir, Energy Mutodi and a local performer known as Buju, gave scintillating performances during the show. South African singer Zahara and Oliver Mtukudzi added flavour to the carnival atmosphere which engulfed the resort town up to the end of the festival last Tuesday.
