Negative publicity hampering Zimbabwe tourism growth

Players in the tourism sector say sanctions and negative publicity by the international media, have played a major role in hampering growth in the sector.
A tour operator, Mr Ben Tessa, said Zimbabwe is portrayed as a high risk destination, and the international media has been calling on travellers to visit Zimbabwe at their own risk.
Mr Tessa said the negative publicity has raised travel insurance charges especially for American visitors who now consider Victoria Falls as the most expensive resort in the region.
He said tourism websites that have holiday packages for Southern Africa, exclude Zimbabwe, marketing Victoria Falls as a South African destination.
Meanwhile, a tour operator, Mr Blessings Munyenyiwa, said the anti-sanctions petition campaign is a noble cause, as the tourism sector has failed to access credit facilities and embark on expansion programs.