ZIM: Good news for tourism as land borders open
The country’s tourism sector is set to receive a major boost from the 1st of December when the country opens its major land borders. According to statistics from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), most tourists to Zimbabwe enter through road using mainly the Beitbridge Border Post.
However, the border together with the others had to be closed as a way of trying to curb the spread of COVID-19 which claimed many lives. The closure of borders which came into effect on the 27th of March, meant that no foreign traveller was allowed to enter the country. This is despite the fact that tourism in Zimbabwe mainly depends on foreign travellers than the sceptical locals.
However, as the country begins to open up the economy, the tourism sector definitely needs a boost from foreign travellers if it is to quickly get back to normalcy. This has seen the government moving in to open the airspace a few weeks ago and today announce the opening of land borders. Addressing the media during a post cabinet brief, Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said cabinet had given the node to open borders, but in phases.
“Cabinet resolved that the opening of border posts be phased, beginning with Beitbridge, Plumtree, Victoria Falls, Chirundu, Nyamapanda and Forbes. The borders will open first to private passenger vehicles and pedestrian traffic as from 1st December 2020, while further assessment is being undertaken with regard to preparations for handling public passenger transport.
“Cabinet wishes to inform the public that border operating hours are being fixed between 0600 and 1800 hours until further assessment of the situation,” she said. The Information Minister added that to cater for those that would be cleared late at border posts, government resolved to extend curfew hours.
“Curfew hours are being extended beyond the current 2000 hours to 2200 hours for the convenience of those who are cleared late at ports of entry. This will be subject to gazetting,” she said.
The opening up of the tourism sector, has seen crafty companies such as Pamushana Africa conducting one-day tours to such areas as Mazowe River, Mutorashanga, Msinje Farm and preparing to go to Nyanga. Zimbabwe National Parks has also joined hands with private players to organise tours which are deemed to be critical for domestic tourism.
