Zim tourism industry performs well in 2011

The Zimbabwe tourism industry has been praised for its sterling performance in 2011 which saw it recording a remarkable growth estimated at 10,3%.

The tourism and hospitality industry in 2011 recorded significant growth as the sector took its rebranding campaign 'Zimbabwe A world of wonders,' to several countries.

Figures from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) released last month show that average bed occupancy improved from 36% in 2010 to 37% this year, with December which records the most business yet to be considered.

In an interview with ZBC News Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Engineer Walter Mzembi said 2011 has been a good year for the sector.

"2011 has been our year, we won the bid to host the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly and to cap it all, the icing on the cake was at the Zanu PF Conference, where we  were the only ministry that received recognition," said Minister Mzembi.

The coming year is expected to be busy for the sector, whose growth is estimated to reach 13,7%.

The industry is expected to increase marketing initiatives to penetrate new markets and develop new tourism products.

Zimbabwe will also host the African Tourism Association (ATA) general conference in preparation for the hosting of the UNTWO General Assembly in 2013.