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.

CHIWONISO at The Mannenberg: Modern Spirit, Ancient Soul

CHIWONISO at The Mannenberg: Modern Spirit, Ancient Soul

The feisty Zimbabwean mbira star Chiwoniso Maraire graces The Mannenberg stage this Thursday 4 November, for another great musical experience, in an intimate setting designed for a deeper appreciation of the art, and the essence, of Chiwoniso.

After a short sojourn in the US, Chiwoniso is back in Zimbabwe with new energy, new compositions, delighting Harare audiences once again with her inimitable ‘modern spirit, ancient soul’. Backed by the mesmerizing interlocking melodies of the mbira, Chiwoniso’s voice resounds with defiant strength and profound tenderness. She has been described as one of the most exciting talents in African music today.

Chiwoniso’s 1998 CD ‘Ancient Voices’ won the Radio France International ‘discovery’ prize, and ‘Rebel Woman’ which was released in the US at the end of 2008, was highly acclaimed at international level, and reached number one on the i-Tunes World Music awards where it stayed for 18 weeks. The album is due for release in Zimbabwe soon.

The Thursday 4 November performance at The Mannenberg features two exciting sets, kicking off with ‘Vibe Culture’ comprising Martha Thom (hosho/dance), Jacob Mafuyeni (mbira, percussion, vocals), Silas Kamutikaoma (hosho and congas), Malvin Kujeke (double bass and backing vocals), mixed by engineer Takaendesa Maumbe.

The second set from around 11pm features the ‘electric band’, an electrifying fusion of traditional and modern vibes with guest artists Mono Mukundo (lead guitar), Clive Mutyasira (drums), Jethro ‘Hambahamba’ (keyboards), Josh Meck (bass), with the renowned sound engineer Vusa Moyo on the sound desk.

While resettling in Zimbabwe with shows in and around the capital, Chiwoniso has also been gracing other stages of the world, stepping out for concerts in the US and Europe, and a brilliant artistic collaboration in Tokyo in August with ‘SukiAfrica’ and the Sukiyaki All Stars, comprising artists from different cultures in Africa (Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Togo) and Asia (Korea, Japan).

Some of Chiwoniso’s earliest performances can be traced back to The Book Café in the nineties where, along with dozens of other artists and several who rose to national acclaim, she often performed at the original Bocapa Open Mic Monday event. After a lively association with the popular band ‘Storm’, Chiwoniso went solo with a long-running performance stint at The Book Café for several years with backing band ‘Vibe Culture’ where she built a solid and loyal audience who kept coming back for more.
In 2007, Chiwoniso facilitated a “Mbira Renaissance” workshop ‘for women artists by women artists’ under Pamberi Trust’s gender programme FLAME (Female Literary, Arts and Music Enterprise), sharing her experiences and discussing among other topics ‘Dynamic Culture’ and ‘Breaking Out’.

Back home for the Christmas season, Chiwoniso performs at The Mannenberg on Thursday 4 November, and on Friday 26 November in an awesome, never before seen, once-off show, Chiwoniso shares the stage with Victor Kunonga at Rainbow 7 Arts Theatre.

Travel to Zim Now!!!!!!!!!!

Travel to Zimbabwe in Africa - Watch a funny movie here

Zimbabwe in efforts to entice tourism: News24: Africa: Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe in efforts to entice tourism: News24: Africa: Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe intended to attract the tourism industry with tax breaks for five years and duty free imports, Zimbabwe tourism secretary Sylvester Maunganidze said on Tuesday.

In a discussion entitled "Straight Talk Zimbabwe" at the Hospitality Investment Conference in Johannesburg, Maunganidze said tourist businesses investing $500 000 would receive permanent residence, while those investing $100 000 would receive automatic work permits.

"All such investments are protected by law and we invite the international hotel investment community to consider their options in Zimbabwe," said Maunganidze. Zimbabwe and other members of the Southern African Development Community aimed to establish a single visa for the region which Zimbabwe hoped would result in increased tourist flows into that country.

Emmanuel Fundira, chairman of Zimbabwe's tourism council, said the tourism industry would be assured of improved road and rail infrastructure and a new airport in Harare.

Shingi Munyeza, CEO of Zimbabwe's African Sun Hotels, said the establishment of a government of national unity brought stability to the country, with an increase in foreign visitors and hotel occupancies rising.

"The ultimate injection that our tourism industry could receive, however, would be undisputed national elections," said Munyeza.

Marketingweb - AAT clean up at Zim Tourism awards - IN BRIEF

Marketingweb - AAT clean up at Zim Tourism awards - IN BRIEF

On Friday night, 24th September 2010, Africa Albida Tourism (AAT) management walked out of the highly respected annual Association of Zimbabwe Travel Agents (AZTA) awards event with their arms full of awards and their smiles even fuller!

AAT offers the cream of Southern African tourism products operating three divisions, namely hospitality, restaurants and parks. Ross Kennedy, Chief Executive of AAT, was thrilled with the outcome and acknowledged each and every person's role within the AAT family and at the individual properties for their contribution, which had clearly paid off.

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (VFSL) started the ball rolling with the award for "Best Safari Lodge" for the 15th consecutive year since its opening; and Bumi Hills Safari Lodge closely followed suit winning first runner-up in the same category, after only one year of operation having re-opened in 2009; topped off with The Hide Safari Camp claiming the "Best Tented Camp" award for the 11th time, proving that its recent refurbishment did not go unnoticed.

And if that wasn't enough, AAT also won the African Sun Green Award for their conservation contribution and awareness for their revolutionary Starvation Island feeding programme at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge. The feeding project was successfully undertaken by AAT and Bumi Hills Safari Lodge's staff after massive flooding of Lake Kariba earlier this year saw all the grazing areas around the lake completely submerged, leaving over 200 animals in immediate danger of starvation.

Meanwhile, the staff at award-winning Victoria Falls Safari Lodge were doing an excellent job at keeping their guests well fed! In recognition of their outstanding efforts in the food department the establishment's in-house restaurant, Makuwa-Kuwa, won the "Best Resort Restaurant" award at the AZTA awards evening and the famous Boma - Place of Eating walked away with the award for "Best Ethnic Restaurant".

And as the accolades kept coming Kennedy's smile got brighter and brighter and was soon followed by him remarking that it was a very rewarding feeling to have AAT receive awards for each and every one of the properties within their portfolio and it's all thanks to the hard and dedicated work from the properties' owners, shareholders and staff across the board. Kennedy exclaimed, "It's a proud day for us and I genuinely want to extend a hearty well done and big thank you to each and every person in the individual teams who contributed to these successes." Rennie, one of the part owners of AAT marketed property The Hide Safari Camp, added his sentiments on the awards haul saying, "Congratulations to all from Bumi Hills and VFSL. We are very proud to be associated with you all."

To win an award at this prestigious event, which was inaugurated in 1992, is a real achievement that all Zimbabwean travel and tour operators aspire to. AZTA awards are based on the country's travel agents' annual votes across various categories from ‘Best Regional Airline' to ‘Best Travel Agent'.

Harmony Singers in third place at regional contest

Harmony Singers in third place at regional contest

A popular choral group, Chitungwiza Harmony Singers need little introduction to Zimbabweans. They have performed at the Harare International Festival of the Arts (Hifa), and this year the vibrant, energetic choir presented their own very successful Hifa recital in the Dutch Reformed Church, which received much attention and appreciation and introduced the choir to an even broader audience.
With an always hectic rehearsal schedule, and in much demand, the Singers moved swiftly from Hifa rehearsals and performances, to rehearsals and fund-raising in order to be able to participate once again in the Old Mutual Choir Festival Regional Championships in Polokwane.

Israel Dzangare, the choirmaster and manager of the group, is once again very proud of his choir’s recent achievements. They scooped third place in the prestigious annual Regional Championships last month. An enthusiastic group of 53 choir members travelled down to South Africa, thanks to Croco Motors (who sponsored the bus) and other regular supporters of their choral ventures.

The Chitungwiza Harmony Singers boast of a vast repertoire of superbly executed choral offerings, both gospel and secular. They hugely appreciate the constant support enjoyed from individuals and companies who assist them to compete in such competitions both locally and internationally, among them Old Mutual Zimbabwe, Dairibord Zimbabwe, the National Art Gallery, Nissan Zimbabwe, Croco Motors, The Cheeseman and Zimbabwe Sugar Refineries.

By Rosie Mitchell

Harmony Singers in third place at regional contest

Harmony Singers in third place at regional contest

A popular choral group, Chitungwiza Harmony Singers need little introduction to Zimbabweans. They have performed at the Harare International Festival of the Arts (Hifa), and this year the vibrant, energetic choir presented their own very successful Hifa recital in the Dutch Reformed Church, which received much attention and appreciation and introduced the choir to an even broader audience.
With an always hectic rehearsal schedule, and in much demand, the Singers moved swiftly from Hifa rehearsals and performances, to rehearsals and fund-raising in order to be able to participate once again in the Old Mutual Choir Festival Regional Championships in Polokwane.

Israel Dzangare, the choirmaster and manager of the group, is once again very proud of his choir’s recent achievements. They scooped third place in the prestigious annual Regional Championships last month. An enthusiastic group of 53 choir members travelled down to South Africa, thanks to Croco Motors (who sponsored the bus) and other regular supporters of their choral ventures.

The Chitungwiza Harmony Singers boast of a vast repertoire of superbly executed choral offerings, both gospel and secular. They hugely appreciate the constant support enjoyed from individuals and companies who assist them to compete in such competitions both locally and internationally, among them Old Mutual Zimbabwe, Dairibord Zimbabwe, the National Art Gallery, Nissan Zimbabwe, Croco Motors, The Cheeseman and Zimbabwe Sugar Refineries.

By Rosie Mitchell