Herald Correspondent
ZIMBABWE Tourism Authority boss Mr Karikoga Kaseke has criticised Air Zimbabwe for failing to take advantage of the monopoly it enjoyed in the aviation sector. Speaking at the launch of the latest G7 buses by Pathfinder Luxurious tours in Harare last week he said the national airliner had been

protected for a long time by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Infrastructure Development, but had failed to capitalise on this.

“Air Zimbabwe is like a small spoilt child whose father does not want him to play with other children,” said Mr Kaseke.
“The same spoilt child who goes to school or the toilet and gets dropped from the maid’s back.

“Air Zimbabwe does not want competition and the Ministry protects it. As a result, Air Zimbabwe ended up as a dullard because we cannot expect a national airline to ply the tourism hub of Southern Africa thrice a month instead of three times a day.”

Mr Kaseke said failure to avail modern-day services resulted in bus operators taking advantage by servicing local routes with luxurious coaches.
“Air Zimbabwe lacked creativity, which prompted creative players to seize the opportunity and fill the gap,” he said.
“One must not be afraid of competition, if they are to make it on the market.
“It is painful to note that the airline which once made us proud when it was voted as the best airline in Africa and Europe is now grounded.
“In the tourism sector, we are not happy with such a situation especially ahead of the UNWTO General Assembly to be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Zambia next year.”

Mr Kaseke said transport operators were the face of the tourism industry and they have to market tourism destinations with pride.
Speaking at the same occasion, Police Assistant Commissioner Kenneth Mthombeni hailed Pathfinder for launching the buses.
“Those in the transport industry need to cherish the importance of people’s lives with roadworthy buses,” he said.
“You cannot continue to complain of traffic fines and roadblocks when your buses are unroadworthy.

Pathfinder managing director Mr Fungai Makoni, whose company becomes the first to introduce the G7 buses in Africa, said stakeholders in the transport industry need to appreciate the role played by bus companies.

“If you are to market the tourist destinations, you have to offer competitive services that will not make the world shun the resort towns,” he said.
“We need to see the importance of the lives of tourists and avail world class services.”

The new G7 buses will start serving routes on September 1 and have access to Internet, DSTV, coffee making machines, laptop plug-ins and a personalised radio system among other accessories.