ZIMBABWE has continued getting international recognition for its sustainable tourism with the scooping of two prestigious awards at the ongoing ITB Berlin in Germany.
The country was voted as the Sustainable Destination of the year while Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Prisca Mupfumira was voted Tourism Minister of the year-Africa at the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association Awards (PATWA).
Speaking shortly after receiving the awards, Minister Mupfumira said this signals the return of Zimbabwe to the international world.
“This is the rebirth of Zimbabwe into the international world and has been said we are open for business and we are the best tourism destination in the world and the world has recognized us that indeed Zimbabwe is the best tourism destination for sustainable tourism.
“And being made the tourism minister of the year for Africa, I am just saying this is for Zimbabwe for all what we have done, for all we have, our wildlife, our culture, our government and indeed our people this is an achievement and we are back into the world,” she said.
Zimbabwe is on an extensive destination marketing drive that is aimed at increasing the number of arrivals in the country and part of the strategies include attending international tourism fairs and hosting similar events at home.
The country has also entered into a partnership with Touch Road International Holdings from China which will guarantee about 350 Chinese tourists visiting Zimbabwe every month beginning end of March.
Zimbabwe is also offering investment opportunities in its various sectors of the economy with tourism offering some lucrative incentives especially in Victoria Falls.