Matopo's domestic tourism promotion bears fruit

The Matopo National Park's drive to promote domestic tourism is yielding positive results with locals constituting at least 70 percent of visitors flocking the world heritage site.

The national park is known for its rocky outcrops, wildlife, ancient bushmen rock paintings and the site of Cecil John Rhodes grave.

Matopos National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority Camp Manager, Mr Emison Magodhi said although international arrivals remain below 50 percent due to negative publicity of the country by some media outlets, the interest among Zimbabweans to visit the resort area has continued to increase.

Foreign tourists who spoke to the ZBC News said they will market Zimbabwe in their home countries as a safe tourist destination.

Others however complained about the high costs of tourism products.

As part of efforts towards attracting more tourists to the Matopo National Park, the National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority is currently renovating its lodges to meet international standards.

New products and incentives have also been introduced in a bid to lure both domestic and international tourists.