A video promoting and marketing tourist attractions in Kariba has been launched, as stakeholders seek to reposition the town on the main menu of the country’s tourism sector.
The video highlights Kariba’s natural and man-made attractions, rich cultural heritage and pristine wildlife.
Stakeholders, including the Kariba Publicity Association (KPA), came together to produce the video, which is a huge statement of intent to make Kariba great again.
This comes as the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) is working to come up with a clear marketing strategy for the destination working with all stakeholders in Kariba.
The revival strategy was put in motion with events such as the Nyaminyami Festival being hosted last year, while efforts are underway to promote the Tiger Fish Tournament as an annual signature event for the destination.
Kariba has seen a drastic reduction in the number of visitors, resulting in hotels operating at 44 percent from a peak of around 59 percent in 1999.
The decline in the occupancy rate was also accompanied by a marked decline in the available accommodation since 1999 as some hotels and lodges closed. Hotels such as Breezes and Lake View have closed due to varying reasons.
In her address at the launch of the video in Kariba recently, KPA chairperson Mrs Maltian Mistry said stakeholders in Kariba had exhibited a shared desire to revive tourism in the resort town.
“The project would not have been possible without the contribution that came from various stakeholders in Kariba,” she said.
“The efforts brought together reflect the unity among all of us in making Kariba great again.
“The launch takes place at a time when the state of tourism has deteriorated in our resort town of Kariba and need everyone’s effort in reviving the town. It is, therefore, my fervent hope that the launch will position Kariba as a destination of first choice to both domestic and international tourists.”
Mrs Mistry said various initiatives were being pursued to position Kariba as the “Ultimate Tourist Destination”.
She said priority areas had been identified to assist in the development and recovery of tourism which used to employ a significant number of people at its peak in 1999.
“To help us achieve this vision, a number of initiatives, including tourism product development, investment promotion and hosting of mega-events are expected to be part of priorities in our organisations,” said Mrs Mistry.
Kariba has been described as Zimbabwe’s best-kept secret, with an effort to leverage on the success of Victoria Falls.
Various locations in Kariba including houseboats, hotels, lodges and abundant wildlife are featured in the destination promotion video.
ZTA acting chief executive Mr Givemore Chidzidzi expressed concern at the slow pace of recovery of tourism in Kariba compared to other destinations. – The Herald
