By Judith Kajuma
Zimbabwe has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Turkey on the entire promotion with the Turkey Tourism Fair (TTF) coming at a time when the country is on an aggressive tourism marketing campaign and reengagement drive meant to uplift the entire economy from the current challenges.
Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Priscah Mupfumira who led the Zimbabwe delegation said the MOU would further strengthen the already existing relations between the two countries.
“We value the relations that exist between the two countries, Zimbabwe and Turkey. We look forward to the signing of the MOU which we believe will contribute immensely to the development and promotion of tourism in both countries.
“The agreement will witness a number of deliverables such as destination marketing and promotion, sustainable tourism promotion, investment promotion, media and travel trade development as well as cultural and technical exchanges in the field of tourism,” Minister Mupfumira said.
The Travel Turkey Fair is rated among the most significant tourism meetings in the world, drawing delegates from at least sixty countries who will be seeking linkages and innovative ideas to grow the industry.
This fair provided an opportunity for Zimbabwe tourism that could go a long way in unlocking potential to at least 35 million travellers.
While it may have been Zimbabwe’s maiden participation, that did not limit the dazzle its exhibition displayed in captivating which helped in drawing lots of crowd to the stand including tour agents and buyers.
Meanwhile Minister Mupfumira is also taking advantage of this mission to further negotiate with Turkish airlines for a possible resuscitation of its flights to Zimbabwe.
The Turkish market have not been a good performer for the country owing to cocktail of challenges including lack of information and knowledge on the destination among others .
However, Minister Mupfumira is optimistic of a positive change owning to the various reengagement activities taking place including Travel Turkey Fair among others.
Lack of variety of international airlines coming to Zimbabwe has been identified as one of the reasons why there was drop of arrivals in the past years.
