By Daniel Chigundu
LONELY Planet’s latest report has listed Zimbabwe among the 10 best countries to visit in 2019.
According to the organisation, Zimbabwe which is ranked 3rd on the list after Sri Lanka and Germany is a safe tourist destination despite making wrong headlines in other areas.
“Zimbabwe has always been a country that travellers on the ground have raved about.
“Not only is it one of Africa’s safest destinations, but it’s also one blessed with ultra-friendly locals, Big Five-filled national parks, World Heritage-listed archaeological ruins, forested mountains and, of course, the mighty Victoria Falls,” said Lonely Planet.
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) Dr Karikoga Kaseke is on record urging the country take advantage of its peacefulness to lure tourists, adding that no tourist would want to go a place that is at war or in conflict.
Tourism has been identified as one of the country’s key pillars in the new dispensation economic revival strategy among agriculture, mining and manufacturing and this makes the Lonely Planet report is a timely major boost as it comes at a time when the country is exploring various tourism marketing strategies.
According to the Sunday Times of South Africa, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel report is based on the nominations of editors, researchers, locals and influencers. The pool of nominations is then whittled down into handy top 10 lists by a panel of judges, who are tasked with looking for places that are unique, compelling and timely.
Lonely Planet top 10 lists
Sri Lanka
Germany
Zimbabwe
Panama
Kyrgyzstan
Jordan
Indonesia
Belarus
Sao Tome and Principe
Belize