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Change a Life Cycle Tour 2015
Organisers Of Change A Life Cycle Tour Hail Zimbabwe.
BY BRUCE GERMAINE 20 SEPT, 2015 10:48
Organisers and participants in the change a life cycle have praised Zimbabwe saying it is an irresistible destination and an ornament of regional tourism that offers a unique and fable experience. Tour Director Ursula du Plooy said Zimbabwe has compelling reasons to include it in tours mainly its unique landscape, friendly people and supporting institutions.
“We had key South Africa’s business Executives taking part in this excursion which is essentially a charity initiative. They have been cycling on various roads through Zambia and Zimbabwe. We are getting positive feedback from the participants most of whom were just reading about Zimbabwe. I tell you most of them are promising to come back with their families. Zimbabwe has magnificent scenery, we have been seeing the wildlife and the friendliness of the people is so amazing. Zimbabwe is definitely an irresistible destination for such excursions”, said Ursula du Plooy.
Her sentiments were echoed by most of the participants who were in the country for the first time. The Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered in Africa Mr Ferdi Pietterse added that it was a challenging experience cycling for 540 kms. He said, “It was very exciting experiencing the warm and excellent hospitality of the local people and seeing wild animals from my bicycle. It was really but I wouldn’t mind doing it over and over again in support of the charity cause and the unique experience with the wildlife and nurture.”
The 72 cyclists were welcomed at the finishing point in Kariba at Andora Harbour by the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Retired Brigadier General Walter Kanhanga and the Chief Executive of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Mr Karikoga Kaseke. Addressing the organisers and participants the Deputy Minister stressed government’s commitment to support such events that project the good image of the country.
“I hope your experience in this tour will motivate you to consider sending your corporate teams to our beautiful destination for incentive travel. As Government we are ready to support such programmes. Our team that worked closely with the local organisers will always be at your disposal should you decide to host your future events,” said the Deputy Minister Kanhanga.
The tour, which took place from the 4th to the 9th of September 2015, attracted 72 South Africa’s top executives that included one Zimbabwean Innocent Dutiro of Bain and company, a strategy Consultancy firm based in Johannesburg. In the 540 kms they cycled, they went through Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Binga, Chirundu and Kariba among other areas.
This event was launched by Computershare in 2007 after the tragic murder of Mike Thomson who was one of its senior managers. Proceeds from the event are channelled towards projects aimed at combating crime as well providing leadership skills for talented youngsters in difficult social and economic circumstances. The coming of this event to Zimbabwe has been celebrated mainly by players in the tourism and hospitality sector as another window to market the country to the South African market.
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Tourism Walter Mzembi
Zimbabwe Minister Calls for Tourism Tax Reduction
BY KRISTIE OMAR 19 AUG, 2015 10:30
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Tourism Walter Mzembi has appealed to the government to reduce the controversial 15% VAT on tourism accommodation for foreign tourists to 5% in order to grow the sector. Earlier this year, Mzembi lobbied to have the tax removed altogether.
Mzembi was quoted in the New Zimbabwe as saying: “I bring from the sector a suggestion to incrementally introduce VAT within a range of 5% to 15% aligned to our 2020 vision to give the industry an opportunity to recover and grow rather than to impose abruptly a full blown 15% tax that will certainly kill the goose.”
Tourism industry players have applauded Mzembi’s ‘bold’ initiative, which they say shows his deep understanding of tourism and the benefits it can bring to his country’s GDP. Says Nigel Vere Nicoll, Chief Executive of the African Travel and Tourism Association (Atta): “Atta has always recommended a reduction in VAT within Africa on tourism product, as it is proven that countries with lower VAT rates emerge as more competitive destinations for potential visitors, as well as encouraging a greater volume of domestic travel and tourism.” The impact of the VAT, which was introduced in January this year, has been felt throughout the Zimbabwean tourism sector.
Africa Albida Tourism Chief Executive Ross Kennedy explains that with all new taxes, levies and fees, it takes some time for the impact to be genuinely felt, and meaningfully measured in any considered manner. However after seven months of collecting stats and receiving travel trade feedback, Kennedy says it is now clear that the introduction of 15% VAT has caused the Zimbabwe tourism industry some negative responses and down turn in arrivals.
