By Derick Tsimba

Ministry of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry is representing Zimbabwe at the Tourism Investment and Business Forum for Africa (INVESTOUR) organized jointly by the UNWTO, FITUR and Casa Africa which is currently underway at Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR), in Madrid, Spain.

On its Facebook page, the Ministry of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry said its Minister, Prisca Mupfumira was leading a delegation of the country’s tourism players attending the 39th annual Feira de Tourism, or International Tourism Trade Fair (Fitur), in Madrid to promote various tourism destinations that are in the country as part of the continued efforts to market destination Zimbabwe to source markets.

“Fitur, which is taking place from January 23 to 27, brings together decision-makers across the global tourism industry, such as travel agencies and tourism associations. The fair is also considered as the most important gateway to the Latin American market,” said the Ministry of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry.

Speaking in Madrid, Spain, Minister Mupfumira said various countries were meeting there to seek opportunities in the tourism industry.

 “This is where various countries are meeting to seek opportunities in the tourism industry. Zimbabwe is participating to showcase its tourist attractions dotted around the country such as the Victoria Falls, national parks, Great Zimbabwe, and others. We want to bring more tourists to Zimbabwe, and this is one of the platforms where we can advertise what the country can offer in terms of tourism services. Zimbabwe is also set to sign a number of memorandums of understanding at the fair with associations such as Chinese tourism organisations and those that intend to hold conferences or indabas in the country in 2019,” said the Minister.

The Acting Chief Executive of Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), Mr Gift Chidzidzi speaking to  Euro news, NBC Universal - UNC, Africa News  and Euro sport in Madrid, Spain said Zimbabwe had various scenic and sporting resorts.

“There are various sporting activities that one can do when they visit our country and these include, the renowned bungee jumping freefall, white water rafting on the Zambezi, skydive tandem majorly partaken in Victoria Falls. Other tourist attractions also offer a wide variety of outdoor activities for the subtle visitors who are not so much into adrenaline activities.

“These range from game drives, botanical gardens and bird watching to health spas and art galleries. Sporting activities have become a popular trend across the world and in the country. People travel to engage in sport related activities or travel to view such sport related activities and as such the destination expects even more tourists this year,” he said.

Harare Post has learnt that Zimbabwe’s delegation at Madrid includes the ZTA, Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe (TBCZ), Zimbabwe Women in Tourism, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, Hotels Association of Zimbabwe, and tour operators, among others.