Pro-govt media claims boast in Zimbabwe tourism

The Pro- Zanu PF government media, The Patriot Newspaper has claimed that tourism industry is continuing to shine at the time when what it callede international media's rubbishing of Zimbabwe and declaring it as unsafe destination.

"Zimbabwe 's tourism industry continues to shine despite efforts by the international media to rubbish Zimbabwe and declare it an unsafe tourist destination," reported the Patriot Newspaper.

The paper claimed this follows continued pleas to Zimbabwe to help improve other countries' tourism industries as evidenced by the recent request by Togo President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe' during his recent state visit.

It said after the Land Reform Programme which benefitted over 400 000 black households, there was massive negative publicity produced by the West painting the country as an unsafe tourist destination.

"However, tourism continues to thrive in the country as products on offer cannot be found elsewhere in the world and the peace enjoyed since attainment of independence in 1980 has been a major boon for the sector," the newspaper claimed. "Other nations on the continent are experiencing problems, especially in the tourism sector as a result of civil strife and disease outbreaks. According to the latest United Nations World Tourism Organisation World Tourism Barometer for the first half of 2015, Africa's international tourist numbers declined by an estimated six percent."

The Patriot said some of the tragic incidents on the continent include unrest and terror attacks in Kenya, Nigeria, Tunisia and the xenophobia attacks in South Africa.

"President Gnassingbe, who was in the country recently for a State visit requested Zimbabwe to assist his country's tourism sector," claimed the paper.

"President Mugabe's leadership qualities and his continued efforts of empowering his people have seen him earn respect across Africa and the world. Zimbabwe in 2013 co-hosted the United Nations World Tourism Organisation General It went on to report that assembly which was a major milestone for the tourism industry."

And the country's Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Engineer Walter Mzembi has been unanimously re-elected by African countries as the Chairman of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Regional Commission for Africa (CAF).

"Engineer Mzembi's re-election was endorsed at the 57th meeting of the CAF which was presided over by the UNWTO secretary-general Dr Taleb Rifai.

The 57th Commission for Africa meeting was part of the agenda of the on-going 21st session of the UNWTO General Assembly being held in Medellin, Colombia.

Despite many attempts by the West to rubbish the wisdom of President Mugabe, his works and appointments stand out," the [paper reported.

The Patriot said President Gnassingbe expressed his pleasure with Zimbabwe.

"This is my first visit to Zimbabwe and we spoke about some areas of economic cooperation between Togo and Zimbabwe," the paper quoted Mugabe at State House. "I have also requested President Mugabe to have Zimbabwe help in wildlife, flora and fauna for our tourism."

The Togolese President also invited President Mugabe to an African Union (AU) summit dedicated to maritime security in Lome where African leaders are expected to share the challenges and strategies to combat piracy.

Piracy is among some of the issues that have led to the decline of tourist arrivals.

Negative publicity arising from these incidences has made marketing the continent a difficult task.

While there are some deficiencies in terms of Togo's infrastructure including a lack of high quality accommodation, the country is a treasure trove of ecological diversity and offers huge biodiversity in its protected natural habitats.

Togo's wildlife, diversity of landscape, stunning beaches and pleasant climate are all favourable for travel and tourism.

Visitors to the country seek to experience the country's nature first-hand, enjoy extreme sports and seek out new adventures.

However, lack of security remains a major threat to the development of travel and tourism in the country.

Foreign tourists are generally advised not to leave main cities meaning they lose the opportunity to experience the outstanding natural and cultural diversity which Togo has to offer.

Togo stands to benefit from Zimbabwe which has vast experience in the tourism sector and a police force respected by the international community.