Emirates, ZTA  sign MoU to promote tourism to Zimbabwe

BY OWN CORRESPONDENT

Emirates has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Tourism Authority of Zimbabwe (ZTA) to further boost inbound tourist arrivals and develop traffic into Zimbabwe utilizing the strength of the airline’s global network.

The MOU  was signed by Badr Abbas, Emirates’ senior vice president commercial operations for Africa, and Winnie Munchanyuka, chief executive, ZTA.

Also present at the signing ceremony were Adnan Kazim, Emirates chief commercial officer, Lovemore Mazemo, ambassador of Zimbabwe to the UAE, Farai Chimba, president, Hotel Association of Zimbabwe and general manager, Victoria Falls Hotel, and Rungano Nyaude, chairman, Zimbabwe Business Council in UAE.

Under the agreement, Emirates along with the ZTA will set in motion a range of joint marketing efforts that include tourism promotions, organizing familiarisation trips for trade and media among other activities.

Both parties will also explore opportunities for joint advertising campaigns in key markets.

Abbas, said: “The MoU signed today reflects Emirates’ confidence in the potential and attractiveness of Zimbabwe as an emerging destination that awaits exploration.

“Home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, breath-taking landscapes and glorious historical sites, Emirates looks forward to supporting the ZTA in attracting more tourists to the country and showcase its uniqueness and vast array of distinctive experiences.

“We aim to play a considerable role in raising the profile of Zimbabwe through our strong global connectivity.”

Muchanyuka  said: “Access to the destination is a critical element of tourism in Zimbabwe.  We are pleased to collaborate with Emirates and signing this MoU will cement this relationship further.

“Zimbabwe is an emerging major centre for tourism, business travel, as well as wildlife tourism and the increased levels of inbound travel is consistent with the growth in numbers of visitors to the country.”

She added: “In this regard, connectivity plays a salient role for tourism growth and Zimbabwe is confident that this partnership with Emirates presents a solid conduit that will culminate in an increase of tourist arrivals and most importantly trade from the Middle East and the world at large to our destination.’

Endowed with both natural and man-made attractions such as the Mighty Victoria Falls, Matopo Hills, Lake Kariba, wildlife at Hwange, Great Zimbabwe Monuments, and Gonarezhou National Parks, Zimbabwe is a sought after destination offering leisure activities for tourists.

Emirates started operations to Zimbabwe in September 2012 with five weekly flights.

It has steadily grown the route in line with increasing customer demand and operates a daily service to Harare with seven flights a week.

“Since the start of its operations, Emirates has driven inbound traffic to Zimbabwe from the Middle East, points in Europe, Australia and US,” Emirates said.

“Our codeshare partnerships with Airlink and South African Airways further provide more choice and connectivity to passengers and drive inbound visitors to domestic points in Zimbabwe like Bulawayo and Victoria Falls.”