ZTA signs deals with Emirates, SAA
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Chief Executive Officer Ms Winnie Muchanyuka signs the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Badr Abbas, Emirates’ senior vice president commercial operations for Africa as Mr Lovemore Mazemo, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates looks on
Business Writer
THE Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) yesterday signed an agreement with aviation giant, Emirates, in Dubai to further boost inbound tourist arrivals and increase traffic into Zimbabwe utilising the strength of the airline’s global network.
Zimbabwe is exhibiting its diverse tourism destination products in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, this week where it is part of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) participants.
The global showcase runs from 1-4 May.
Since the start of its operations, Emirates has driven inbound traffic to Zimbabwe from the Middle East, points in Europe, Australia, and the USA.
The airline’s codeshare partnerships with Airlink and South African Airways further provide more choice and connectivity to passengers and drive inbound visitors to domestic points in Zimbabwe like Bulawayo and Victoria Falls.
The ATM is a travel and tourism event aimed at unlocking business potential within the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals.
As part of spoils from taking part in the event, the country signed another collaboration deal with South African Airways on Monday, a bold move that is expected to further increase travel volumes to the country.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Emirates was signed by Badr Abbas, Emirates’ senior vice president for commercial operations for Africa, and ZTA chief executive, Ms Winnie Muchanyuka.
Also present at the signing was Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Mr Lovemore Mazemo, president of the Hospitality Associations of Zimbabwe, Mr Mr Farai Chimba, who is also general manager for the Victoria Falls Hotel.
Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the UAE, Lovemore Mazemo
Under the agreement, Emirates, along with the ZTA, will set in motion a range of joint marketing efforts that include tourism promotions, organising familiarisation trips for trade and media, among other activities.
Both parties will also explore opportunities for joint advertising campaigns in key markets.
“The MoU signed today reflects Emirates’ confidence in the potential and attractiveness of Zimbabwe as an emerging destination that awaits exploration,” said Mr Abbas.
Home to one of the natural Seven Wonders of the World, breath-taking landscapes and glorious historical sites, Emirates has said it looks forward to supporting Zimbabwe in attracting more tourists to the country and showcasing its uniqueness and vast array of distinctive experiences.
“We aim to play a considerable role in raising the profile of Zimbabwe through our strong global network,” said Ms Muchanyuka.
“Collaboration is the key to success in tourism, and only by close collaboration can that path be assured of success.
“Zimbabwe is confident that once we implement the agreement, it will create a platform for a progressive increase of arrivals into the country.”
The ZTA boss said the ZTA and Emirates will broaden engagement and awareness with smart initiatives.
“We are excited to see Emirates’ commitment to strengthening their relations with destination Zimbabwe and are confident that this will bring forth tangible results,” she added.-chronicle.co.zw
