Chinhoyi Caves charm Kenyan ambassador Chinhoyi Caves

Walter Nyamukondiwa Mashonaland West Bureau
Zimbabweans should complement Government’s efforts to grow the tourism sector through engaging in domestic tourism, Kenyan ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Lucy Chelimo has said.

Ambassador Chelimo, who visited the Chinhoyi Caves’ Lion Enclosure that houses a beast named Kenya last week, also commended Government’s effort in growing the tourism sector.

She said Zimbabwe had vast potential in tourism, but its citizens should take the initiative to experience and explore products nearest to them to be effective ambassadors of the country.

Government has identified tourism as a low hanging fruit with potential to contribute at least 10 percent to the GDP in the short-to-medium term from seven percent.

“I would want to challenge Zimbabweans that the potential is greater than what is being exploited right now,” said Ambassador Chelimo. “I would like to encourage Zimbabweans to know their country by visiting the tourist site nearest to them.”

Kenya’s $6 billion tourism industry competes with tea production in contributing the highest to the national coffers.

Zimbabwe’s tourism products can spur to“In Kenya, tourism has helped us with the local communities and tourists helping in growing it and that can happen here,” she said. “So, I would like to encourage every Zimbabwean to know their country.

“You are the greatest marketer of the tourism product and better placed to describe what is in the country.”

Ambassador Chelimo provided two goats for slaughter to feed the lions, before planting 15 trees together with Kenyan Embassy staff in honour of Kenyan Noble Peace laurette and environmental activist, Wangai Maathai.

She said Chinhoyi Caves had great potential and could be included in the packages being provided between the two countries.

“I am happy to say we are working in partnership with Zimbabwe in ensuring that tourism peaks and our great partnership has resulted in Kenya Airways flying into Victoria Falls,” she said. “Tourism in Zimbabwe is a great product.

“We hope that soon, Kenya Television Network (KTN) will start running something about Chinhoyi Caves because I believe there is a great story to tell.”

Zimbabwe and Kenya cooperation includes collaboration in tourism and education.

KTN is already assisting with marketing Victoria Falls and the Great Zimbabwe monuments.

Kenya Airways flies between Harare, Vic toria Falls and Nairobi 27 times a week, providing seamless travel between the two                            countries.

Ambassador Chelimo congratulated Zimbabwe for winning the Pacific Travel Writers’ Association Awards (PATWA) and Sustainable Destination of the Year Award at the International Tourism Bourse (ITB) in Berlin, Germany last week.

Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Prisca Mupfumira also scooped the Tourism Minister of Year Award (Africa) at the same event.

Tourism is expected to attract 2,7 million tourists and rake in about $1 billion in revenue this year.

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