Tourism officials dismiss 'Disneyland at Vic Falls' rumours

At the 2013 Zimbabwean International Travel Exchange in London, a panel promoting tourism in the country reassured those concerned that rumours of Disney rides coming to Victoria Falls were not true and insisted Zimbabwe is safe for visitors.

A Zimbabwean tourism delegation that visited London last month was quick to dismiss recent reports suggesting that the government was planning a 'Disneyland for Africa' in the Victoria Falls area, thesouthafrican reported.

A range of events were held as part of the Zimbabwean International Travel Exchange (ZIME), including a media breakfast where  key players in the tourism industry including the country's ambassador in London, Gabriel Machinga, showcased all Zimbabwe has to offer and spoke of their aim to encourage more tourists to visit.

Two years ago the Tourism Authority launched the successful 'Zimbabwe: A World of Wonders' campaign highlighting the country's unique selling points. One of these 'wonders' is the majestic Victoria Falls and the panel was quick to dismiss reports that came out of the UN WTO in August suggesting that the government was planning a 'Disneyland for Africa' in the area.

Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi made a comment on the fourth day of the conference about how he hoped to encourage some of the millions of people who visit the Animal Kingdom park in Disneyland to see the real thing in Zimbabwe instead.

His remarks were repeated in news outlets around the world and sparked fierce debate, with many worrying that a theme park in the resort town would detract from the natural beauty of the Falls.

Ambassador Machinga added that because Zimbabwe has an appetite for debate, if plans for a theme park in Victoria Falls do come to fruition it will be after a great deal of discourse.

Machinga also agreed with the rest of the panel that potential visitors are worried about visiting Zimbabwe because of safety concerns. He said it's a perennial problem, but believes his efforts to convince people the country is safe are beginning to pay dividends.

"Even our animals are safe", he told the room, which rung with laughter as he held up a photo of himself holding a lion on a lead.

"In my country you can walk a lion like a dog with no special insurance," he chuckled.

Zimbabwe is clearly serious about attracting tourists. After hosting the 'best attended' UN WTO meeting in August, the country aims to become a competitive MICE destination. Transport links are improving, with the Victoria Falls airport upgrade due to be finished by the end of next year.