by Tsitsi Ndabambi
The Zimbabwe Tourism industry made a very strong statement at the ongoing International Tourismus börse (ITB) Berlin 2014 which is taking place from 5-9 March 2014.
A record of 24 Zimbabwe companies collaborated in sync to promote Zimbabwe as a world of wonders destination brand.
The collaboration and support on the Zimbabwe stand went beyond the Zimbabwe operators such that even the UK based Routes Africa representative was on the Zimbabwe stand creating hype on the forthcoming Routes Africa Conference to be held in Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls in June 2014.
The immaculately dressed men and women from Zimbabwe, in their Original Zimbabwean made Khakhi shirts boldly emblazoned Zimbabwe, A world of wonders where a real wonder to watch as they were kept busy entertaining a multitude of both curious and excited visitors to the Zimbabwe stand.
Most of the operators had pre-booked appointments that kept them engaged for the duration of the show.
Visitors to the stand were left to marvel at the wonderful positive aura oozing in all the Zimbabwean exhibitors as they went about their business.
“This is the first time Zimbabwe tourism operators turned out in such large numbers at any ITB show.” confirmed Luke Brown the Managing Director of Vayeni and a member of the Joint Marketing Committee.
Being a first time participant at ITB, Luke said that Zimbabwe is firmly back on the map and it once again is an extremely competitive and favourable destination in Southern Africa.
His sentiments were echoed by Mr. Tendai Madziwanyika the CEO of Rainbow Tourism Group who was satisfied with his company’s feet of clinching over 4000 room nights during ITB 2014.
It is also encouraging to note that big German Operators such as Tui and Detour among others with a combined network of tour and travel agents of over 5 000 countrywide have also reintroduced Zimbabwe in their packages.
International Tourismus börse Berlin, is the world’s largest travel trade show.
Each year, over 10,000 exhibitors present dream destinations around the world – from Albania to Zimbabwe.
About 180,000 visitors come each year to be inspired and organize their “tour of the world” during the showcase.
As destinations create Unique Selling Points they now include emphasis on eco-tourism, cultural tourism, adventure travel, wellness journeys and culinary experiences.
Since March 1966, members of the travel industry, the media and interested parties from every continent have flocked to this trade fair in Berlin to get the latest information and make business deals for the coming year.
The first ITB Berlin had just nine exhibitors from five countries.
Travel business is an important focus since 1985.
In his address to the ITB participants, the UNWTO Secretary General Dr Talib Rifai reiterated the importance of easy visa regimes, opening up the skies and not overburdening the traveling public with taxes so that the over 1.5 billion travel projection by 2015 is realized.