Transportation in Zimbabwe Harare - Travel - Air Travel

Transportation in Zimbabwe Harare - Travel - Air Travel

Different transportation means are used in Harare like most of the other countries of the world. These different means of transport include road, rail, air and water etc. apart from that there are several networks of road and rail which are mostly used for transportation. In the northern part of Africa and all over Harare several means of transportation are used which facilitates the tourists and visitors. Several air ports of Harare are used for domestic flights and international flights as well. Most of the tourists who travel from different parts of the world use this air mean in order to book their cheap flights to Harare and to make their trip enjoyable.

The number of vehicles on road is increasing because of the increase in population and this trend is ever increasing. The roads and transportation authority is also tacking this matter seriously and because the federal govt. of Harare taking this matter seriously, more developments are taking place to avoid delays in traffic and now this problem is resolved up to very much extent. Transportation is a specific resource which is quite useful as far as the travel and tourism is concerned so thousands of visitors traveling to this country book their cheap flights to Hararec. This increasing number of visitors has enforced the Harare govt. to restructure the planning and procedures of the rail road development. That's why local and central governments are putting their efforts to maintain an international standard throughout the country.

To avoid the accidents and unwelcoming incidents the licensing authority is also making their rules and regulations strict and making certain programmers and guidelines to create awareness among the general public so that road safety measures should be ensured. This trend has decreased the accidental ratio and thus people from all around the world traveling through their cheap flights to Harare feel secure during their trip to several destinations of this country

The trade between the African countries and the rest of the world, Morocco is also one of the main trade partners in Africa. The federal govt. of Harare is making certain arrangements in order to capitalize more and more to increase the foreign investments and to raise the capital markets throughout the country.
http://www.cheapflightstoharare.com/

Tiger boost for tourism @ ZimVest • Zimbabwe Investment News & Letters

Tiger boost for tourism @ ZimVest • Zimbabwe Investment News & Letters

Tiger boost for tourism

New Ziana

Zimbabwe’s tourism sector is set to benefit from the Kariba Invitation Tiger Fish Tournament to be held next week.

Many foreign competitors are expected to take part in the annual tournament, an official said on Monday.

In Zimbabwe, tiger fish have a wide distribution throughout Lake Kariba, the Zambezi River and its larger tributaries.

Tournament director Mr Rod Bennet told New Ziana that the 49th edition of the competition would run from October 4 to 6.

“A total of 150 teams will be participating, including 25 foreign squads vying for the trophy,” he said.

“The tournament has become a big social event on the Zimbabwean calendar with many new friendships being made,” he said.

Mr Bennet said the KITFT is the biggest sport-fishing event in Zimbabwe, whose ultimate angling goal is to catch the largest tiger fish.

He said tiger fish are unique and special because of their magnificent features.

“It has a ferocious set of razor sharp teeth enclosed by a bony head, black/blue lateral stripes and a bright yellow to red caudal fin completes the picture,” he said.

Kariba Mayor Nicholas Hwindiri said the event would offer renewed opportunities for the hospitality industry to showcase tourism products and facilities.

The tourism industry is one of the fastest growing in the world with Africa expected to record a growth rate higher than other regions.

The sector is expected to grow by 10 percent by the end of 2010. — New Ziana

Indian/Pakistani/Bangla/Desi Restaurants in Harare, Zimbabwe

Indian/Pakistani/Bangla/Desi Restaurants in Harare, Zimbabwe

Bombay Duck 7 Central Ave near Third St, Harare, Zimbabwe Telephone4 721487

Delhi Palace Harare, Zimbabwe Telephone

Mayur Harare, Zimbabwe Telephone

Rani Harare, Zimbabwe Telephone

Sitar Newlands Shopping Center on Enterprise Rd ;, Harare, Zimbabwe Telephone4 729032

TOK Zim rendezvous on cards - Newsday: Everyday News for Everyday People

TOK Zim rendezvous on cards - Newsday: Everyday News for Everyday People

Internationally acclaimed female reggae artiste Alaine Laughton and the famous dancehall group Touch of Klass, better known as TOK, are set to rock the local dancehall circuit in February next year.

Dancehall lovers can expect an overdose of romance as dancehall outfit TOK and reggae songbird Alaine are set to perform in the country at a Valentine’s Day celebration show dubbed The Love Letter Concert, on February 12.

“The show will be part of the first-time initiative by a group called Africa Entertainment Worx (AEX) to rebrand the country, not only to the rest of the world but Zimbabwe as well,” said AEX chief executive officer Michael Hill.

The show is scheduled to take place at the Harare International Conference Centre and tickets will be available soon in four categories, silver, gold, platinum and diamond.

Hill said this would be their first time to host an event with international acts and it would also be the artistes’ first time to perform in the country.

“Preparations for the show are already at an advanced stage as the contracts have already been signed and AEX are inviting sponsors to pitch in order to ensure a positive show experience and to make this the best show of 2011,” said Simbarashe Kakora, AEX chief operations officer.

He said they were negotiating the possibility of bringing more artistes for the same event including renowned ragga artiste Wayne Wonder and his wife Tammi Chynn.

Alaine made her breakthrough in 2005 with her single, No Ordinary Love, on Don Corleon’s Seasons Riddim and since then, she has been topping charts with songs like Deeper, Sacrifice, Chaka Chaka Love and Love Sound, a duet with Beres Hammond.

“The second act, Jamaican songtress Alaine Laughton, or simply Alaine, has managed to outlast her female dancehall counterparts and is known for such hits as Love, Loud and Clear, If I Give You Love and Without You,” said Kakora.

TOK is a dancehall group consisting of Alistaire “Alex” McCalla, Roshaun “Bay-C” Clarke, Craig “Craigy T” Thompson, and Xavier “Flexx” Davidson and are best known for such hits like Footprints, Gal You Ah Lead, Chi Chi Man and Eagles Cry.

Chi Chi Man in particular is controversial for its lyrical attacks on homosexuality, which many have claimed incite violence against people who practice it.

“We believe we have a role to play in being ambassadors of our own in creating a better Zimbabwe and we have decided to do this through entertainment,” said Kakora.

City Link, RTG in tourism partnership.

By Augustine Moyo

DOMESTIC tourism, which is showing signs of recovery, has received a further boost following the sealing of a deal between City Link Luxury Coaches — an indigenous luxury coach firm — and the Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG).

The deal will see City Link and RTG tailor holiday packages for locals to destinations where the group has resort facilities. RTG has also unveiled a US$60 per person, bed and breakfast package for this festive season.
This development has also seen City Link invest more than US$1,2 million in the purchase of brand new luxury coaches this year alone.
City Link general manager Mr Gerald Matapure told The Sunday Mail Business that his organisation will be adding more luxury coaches to the current fleet so that they are able to service the country’s prime tourist destinations fully.

“We recently added a brand new coach to the existing fleet and it began operating last week. It will service the Harare-Bulawayo and Bulawayo-Victoria Falls route.

“There has been a gap on the market for a luxury coach service servicing the Harare-Victoria Falls route. We have since purchased a five-star luxury coach at a cost of US$460 000 for that purpose.
“We are looking at introducing another luxury coach between Harare-Masvingo (Great Zimbabwe) and another luxury coach between Harare-Mutare (Eastern Highlands),” explained Mr Matapure.
City Link will unveil the Harare-Mutare service in February next year. The move is aimed at boosting and promoting domestic tourism between Harare and the Eastern Highlands.

“However, the only major headache at the moment is the availability of finance on the market. We are only accessing six-month finance and there is no way we can compete at par with South African luxury coach operators.

“In South Africa, the financing is in such a way that luxury coaches are paid for in six years and the operators pay as little as R30 000 a month for 72 months yet here in Zimbabwe we have to pay back in an amount over US$400 000 in just six months.
“Liquidity challenges are hurting us the most because financial institutions cannot access lines of credit which business can then access in turn to improve the tourism product.”

Zimbabweans hardly understand the painful effect of how illegal Western sanctions are making it increasingly difficult to transact or do business in this country.

“We had our loan for the new luxury coach we just purchased, approved and we had to wait for more than two months to have the funds released to pay the manufacturer who was becoming impatient while waiting for payment.

“We could have lost the coach to other regional markets in the process prejudicing the Zimbabwean traveller and the tourism sector which depends largely on transport for it to survive.”
There is nothing much that the Government can do at the moment to support indigenous bus operators as long as there are sanctions that are making it difficult for capital to flow to Zimbabwe and what business needs is long-term financing which is not available.

Domestic tourism has been negatively affected by the lack of a competitively priced and luxurious mode of transport between key cities and the tourist destinations. City Link has also set up a state-of-the art waiting room at the Rainbow Towers premises for travellers, cementing its relationship with the RTG. He added that his organisation was grateful to RTG chief executive officer Mrs Chipo Mtasa and her management team for understanding his organisation’s vision and believing in it, thereby allowing City Link to operate as a luxury coach company from the Rainbow Towers.

Most routes to tourist destinations such as the magnificent Victoria Falls were serviced by South Africa’s Unifreight under the Blue Arrow brand.
However, Blue Arrow pulled out of the country, leaving a gap in the market which indigenous players had to fill.

Tourism experts contend that for domestic tourism to thrive, it needs to be supported with sufficient infrastructure such as accommodation, communications, road network, financial institutions, chief being an efficient and reliable transport systems.
Domestic tourism is anticipated to play a critical role in ensuring that the sector attains the projected growth rates.

Spend your Christmas Holidays: Book Cheap Economy flights to Zimbabwe! | Article Directory

Spend your Christmas Holidays: Book Cheap Economy flights to Zimbabwe! | Article Directory

Zimbabwe offers a wide variety of tourist attractions such as extended and roomy river and ocean beaches ideal for swimming and other water sports, unique wildlife, vast tracts of unspoiled nature ranging from tropical forest, magnificent waterfalls, some new rapidly growing cities and climatic conditions in some parts particularly conducive to holidaying. Other attractions include traditional ways of life preserved in local customs; rich and varied handicrafts and other colorful products depicting or illustrative of native arts and lifestyle. You can also explore the beauty of Harare, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls “Smoke that Thunder” by bookingcheap flights to Zimbabwe.

When to Visit:

Whenever travel to Zimbabwe, the best and most suitable time is April through May and August through September.

There are three airports service in Zimbabwe: Harare, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls. There are two types of buses that you can catch, express and local. Zimbabwe has a good railway system, which connects Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare and Victoria Falls, and if you travel economy class they are cheaper than the express buses. Most trains also travel at night.

Zimbabwe’s tourism sector is growing at very slow pace thanks to political stability & good ties of MR Tsvangirai with EU & United States. With his dedication Air Botswana Got the Aviation License to fly to Harare International & that’s why thousand of western African Passengers are able to book cheap flights to Harare with Air Botswana. Moreover Safari lovers are able to connect from South Africa to Bulawayo with fly Kumba airlines 5 times a week now. Efforts to boost tourism sector & create opportunities for cheap travelling to & from Zimbabwe is one of the short listed domains in his agenda for 2010. Due to his efforts Air Zimbabwe has reduced their fares from Harare to London & they have introduced new fares for online customers who book from their website.

Travelling Instruction While Travelling to Zimbabwe:

There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. Your policy should cover you for all the activities you want to undertake.

How to Book Cheap Flights to Zimbabwe?

Fly direct non stop to Harare, Zimbabwe from London Gatwick. Air Zimbabwe is the only direct flight service from United Kingdom to Zimbabwe. They operate only from London Gatwick South Terminal to Harare International Airport. Air Zimbabwe flies twice a week from London i.e. Thursdays & Mondays at 18:30 GMT & arrive next day at 05:55 Harare Local time. Air Zimbabwe has added additional flights in high seasons on Saturdays to accommodate passengers. From Harare International they connect to Bulawayo, Victoria Falls, Johannesburg & Lilongwe.

You can call us reservation 0207 993 6219 to book direct and cheap flights to Zimbabwe or visithttp://www.cheapzimbabweflights.com/index.html. Alternatively you can email us your travel inquires on sales@flightsmaster.co.uk.

From empty shelves to biscotti, Zimbabwe food scene revives

From empty shelves to biscotti, Zimbabwe food scene revives

By Justine Gerardy

FEATURE HARARE: Zimbabwean restaurant-goers used to pull out giant wads of near-worthless cash that could take longer to count than the time to eat the meal. If the order was even available.

Now diners can peruse anything from wild pigeon consomme to Brazilian churrascaria meats, paid for with a few dollar bills.

And once-empty supermarkets boast exotica like biscotti and crusty baguette sticks as "dollarisation" – with the US dollar the de facto currency after the government ditched the local money battered by hyper-inflation – revives the capital's food scene.

"Everything was a major problem. You went to a speciality restaurant which didn't have the speciality," recalled restaurant critic Dusty Miller at independent weekly newspaper The Standard.

"It really was almost... you paid for your soup when you got it because if you waited till after your pudding the bill had gone up 20%," he said.

Now under a 2008 political power-sharing pact and the introduction of the US currency last year, Harare's food scene has done a U-turn.

Choices range from one-dollar spots selling "sadza", a traditional maize porridge with a dollop of stew, to a chocolate shop offering 75 flavours.

"Over the past year there's been a lot happening," said Joseph Bunga, director of a year-old online restaurant guide catering mainly to middle-class and corporate clients.

Economic meltdown

Zimbabwe's economic meltdown led to widespread shortages, from fuel to empty supermarket shelves, after years of political turmoil under veteran leader President Robert Mugabe.

Yet even during the crisis years, some restaurants were artificially busy.

"If I spent my 100,000 (Zimbabwe) dollars tonight, I could eat a beautiful steak but tomorrow I couldn't buy a potato with that money," said Bunga.

"So what would I do? I'd go and I'd spend the money that same evening," said Bunga, who once paid for a meal with a wad of cash the size of a rugby ball.

Bunga, who started his "Eat Out Zimbabwe" site with the upswing, estimates that 20 new eateries have opened in the country in the last year .

His guide now lists 238 restaurants, carries reviews for local and visiting "foodies" and recently launched a restaurant booking service.

"There's more competition out so everyone is fighting for that small percentage of the market that can afford to go out to restaurants," said Julie Webb, who owns the sleek Mojo's Brazilian-style barbecue restaurant with partner Mohamed Samy.

Likewise supermarkets, whose empty shelves forced many shoppers to cross borders to buy the basics, are packed not only with staples but also luxury foods like cakes, mushrooms, Japanese soba noodles and French cheeses.

"It's improved drastically," said Marios Pavlou, operations director of the Athienitis Spar grocery, one of several outlets of the global food retailer in the capital.

"Every day was an uphill struggle for us. Most of our days were spent just trying to keep afloat and adjust prices to keep in line with our suppliers.

"There are a lot of stores that have opened in past few months and probably before December, another 10 Spar stores are going to open," said Pavlou, "so that's a sign that obviously the grocery industry is growing fast."

Challenges still remain

Like many shoppers, Mary Mbewe is glad the days are gone when half a litre (half a quart) of long-life milk could cost 60 billion Zimbabwe dollars and a kilogram of beef 438 billion, according to July 2008 state-set prices.

"I can buy whatever I want as long as I have the money," she said.

Though the economy has shown a second straight year of growth, there are still challenges. For one, the bulk of goods today are imported as local suppliers struggle to re-emerge – in a country whose commercial farming was once a source of exports and foreign exchange.

And though the situation has improved since the peak of the food crisis in 2008, when about half the nation's 12 million people needed aid with the failure of crops and the collapse of the economy, some 1.7 million Zimbabweans still need food aid today, according to UN food agencies estimates in August.

Most Zimbabweans "could not dream of coming to a lovely restaurant like this”, conceded Miller during Mojo's lunch trade.

Unemployment and poverty remain high, and even civil servant salaries average only about US$200, like many Zimbabweans.

"They're lucky to get a square meal on the table perhaps every other day. That is a tragedy," he said.

- AFP

Focus on Travel News - Zimbabwe: A World of Wonders

Focus on Travel News - Zimbabwe: A World of Wonders

The new Zimbabwe tourism brand "Zimbabwe: A World of Wonders" was officially launched by the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Engineer Walter Mzembi, at a colorful ceremony held at Zimbabwe House in London last week on the sidelines of the World Travel Market.

"Our objectives are socio-economic (in scope). We need to generate foreign revenue and create employment opportunities, thereby increasing the contribution of the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) from 5,6 percent in 2009 to 15 percent in 2015," Mzembi said.

Speaking at the same occasion, Zimbabwe's Ambassador to the UK, Mr Gabriel Machinga, commended the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry and its implementing agent, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), for aggressively marketing the country.

He said the ministry and ZTA appeared keen to regain Zimbabwe's market share in Europe. Ambassador Machinga was optimistic that the new tourism brand would help market the country's tourism products and sustain Zimbabwe-Europe re-engagement efforts.

Zimbabwe hopes to build on the success of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Travel and Tourism Africa Fair held in Harare from October 14 to October 16.

Search for Miss Tourism Zim 2011 begins - Newsday: Everyday News for Everyday People

Search for Miss Tourism Zim 2011 begins - Newsday: Everyday News for Everyday People

As the curtain comes down on the year 2010, the search for the national queen to replace reigning Miss Tourism Zimbabwe (MTZ) Samantha Tshuma has begun.

Regional auditions are scheduled for Saturday in eight of the country’s provinces ahead of the finals that will be held on February 12 next year.

In a statement issued by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, organisers of the pageant, the regional finals will start on November 20 and will end on December 18, after which finalists will be expected to camp in Harare in preparation for the national contest.

Mashonaland West will host the first MTZ finals on November 20, followed by Manicaland on November 26, then Mashonaland Central on November 27.

Masvingo finals will be held on December 4 and they will be followed by Mashonaland East finals on December 10.

Matabeleland finals will be held on December 11, followed by Midlands and Harare finals on December 18.

The finals are expected to attract people from all walks of life, and will be spiced up with performances by local musical outfits.

Apart from requisite physical attributes such as height (over 1,67m) and age (between 17 and 24 years), the contestants should be holders of a valid “O” Level certificate and have good communication skills.

The contestants must not be engaged, married and should never have been married and never have had a marriage annulled.

Global Travel and Tourism Summit 2012

Global Travel and Tourism Summit 2012

Despite tough competition, Tokyo won to host the Global Travel and Tourism Summit for the coming year 2012. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) announced Tokyo’s victory last week out of the three candidate cities.

Very recently, there has an increase in air routes and flights to Japan. The destination is also serviced by Britain’s flagship carrier, British Airways that offers direct flights to Tokyo at nominal rates and all classes including Business, Premium and economy. Today, Tokyo’s new version as a dynamic and cultural destination jam packed with luxuries and attractions of a 21^st century cosmopolitan are duly accepted and recognized. It is, for the reason that Tokyo has been selected to host the Travel and Tourism’s biggest summit in Asia.

Tokyo’s success has a large share by the convincing and compelling presentation that combined industry commitment, government support and enthusiasm from its agencies, dedication to a carbon neutral Summit and high standards of efficiency and capability. There are other contributors to this selection as well such as the overall and easy accessibility of the destination, accelerating GDP growth, re-emerging Japanese tourism market and a constant development graph. Altogether, it all points in the direction that Global Travel and Tourism Summit 2012 will be a must-attend event of the year.

Yet another attraction for travelers and participants in the summit is that, the 100 year anniversary of Japan Tourism Board is falling in that same year. For the reason, there will be a lot more to do and see than usual and huge celebrations, gals, dinners and parties will be in place. At this occasion, Jean-Claude Baumgarten, President & CEO for WTTC stated:

“I’m very pleased that Tokyo will host our 2012 Summit. It is a city that enjoys more than 400 years of history and is also one of the most exciting modern and cultural destinations in the world.” He further stated that “Asia remains at the forefront of Travel & Tourism growth in the next few years. Our Summit’s return to the region will give delegates the opportunity to address the issues and explore opportunities to secure the industry’s success.”

Whereas the 11^th WTTC 11th Global Travel & Tourism Summit will be taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada USA in May 2011.