Tour company in strategic partnership
Safecan Holdings Kariba is in talks with South Africa-based tourism agencies with a view of having Kariba included as part to their tourism package when marketing tourist destinations in the region.
Safecan group CEO Maston Kanhema said the company had already struck a deal with at least two agencies in South Africa.
“Safecan in conjunction with our partners host tourists brought by South African travel agencies at least twice every month,” said Kanhema.
“I am happy to report that more operators have expressed willingness to come on board to assist in this initiative.”
Tourism growth in 2011 is expected to be underpinned by expected improvements in the performance of both domestic and regional source markets.
Kanhema said the initiative was benchmarked on the realisation that the bulk of foreigners who visited Zimbabwe came via South Africa and as such it was critical to start with the South African market.
“While we cannot say results have started coming, the communication currently going on with these agencies points to a productive 2011,” he said.
He said the company was also taking advantage of the cyberspace to market Kariba as a must-visit tourist destination.
“The emergence of the social network is making marketing much easier,” he said.
Figures released by Reserve Bank governor Gideon Gono last week indicated improvements in global demand and stability in the economy.
Cumulative tourist arrivals into the country up to the third quarter of 2010 increased to 781 177, from 532 971 recorded during the same period in 2009.
Hotel and lodge room occupancy levels increased from 31% and 26% recorded in 2009 to 39% and 31% recorded in 2010.
“Consequently, total tourism receipts increased from $52,7 million in 2009 to $65,1 million in 2010. Hunting sector receipts, however, remained stagnant at $16 million in 2009 and 2010,” said Gono.
Kanhema said it was also important for locally-based tour operators to go come up with synergies.
He said the government should ensure basic infrastructure was in place and maintain peace and order for the tourism sector to continue its recovery.
“Safecan in conjunction with our partners host tourists brought by South African travel agencies at least twice every month,” said Kanhema.
“I am happy to report that more operators have expressed willingness to come on board to assist in this initiative.”
Tourism growth in 2011 is expected to be underpinned by expected improvements in the performance of both domestic and regional source markets.
Kanhema said the initiative was benchmarked on the realisation that the bulk of foreigners who visited Zimbabwe came via South Africa and as such it was critical to start with the South African market.
“While we cannot say results have started coming, the communication currently going on with these agencies points to a productive 2011,” he said.
He said the company was also taking advantage of the cyberspace to market Kariba as a must-visit tourist destination.
“The emergence of the social network is making marketing much easier,” he said.
Figures released by Reserve Bank governor Gideon Gono last week indicated improvements in global demand and stability in the economy.
Cumulative tourist arrivals into the country up to the third quarter of 2010 increased to 781 177, from 532 971 recorded during the same period in 2009.
Hotel and lodge room occupancy levels increased from 31% and 26% recorded in 2009 to 39% and 31% recorded in 2010.
“Consequently, total tourism receipts increased from $52,7 million in 2009 to $65,1 million in 2010. Hunting sector receipts, however, remained stagnant at $16 million in 2009 and 2010,” said Gono.
Kanhema said it was also important for locally-based tour operators to go come up with synergies.
He said the government should ensure basic infrastructure was in place and maintain peace and order for the tourism sector to continue its recovery.
