Mega park great news for regional tourism
Posted: Monday, December 16, 2002

By Tandayi Motsi, www.herald.co.zw

ZIMBABWE's tourism can do with a little bit of great news, what with the critical fuel shortage which is causing headaches to hotels and tour operators ahead of the festive season.

Most hotels and resorts in Zimbabwe are almost fully booked for the festive season. The majority of the bookings have been made by Zimbabweans who want to unwind with their families after a trying year.

But the fuel crisis, the worst to have hit the country, could put paid to their travel plans. With air fares out of the reach of many people, road travel is but the only option for those going to holiday. Without fuel, people cannot travel and hotels and tour operators lose out.

At present there are no signs that the fuel shortage is going away anytime sooner. Noczim officials are trying hard to line their pockets by attempting to dump Tamoil of Libya in favour of other international oil suppliers who demand cash upfront. With cash deals, Noczim officials can have opportunities to line their pockets. In the meantime fuel shortages worsen.

While the fuel shortages are depressing, the recent launch in Mozambique of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park is great news for the local tourism industry.

The 95 000-square-kilometre park links Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe, Limpopo National Park in Mozambique and Kruger National Park in South Africa.

Presidents Mugabe, Thabo Mbeki of South Africa and Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique recently signed the Mega Park treaty in Xai Xai, a town situated along the Limpopo River in Mozambique.

There are high expectations that the Mega Park will unlock great tourism revival and investment in Zimbabwe and the region. MORE 

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