CHENGETAI MURIMWA
The number of locals that visited the Victoria Falls Rain Forest on Christmas Day increased by 20% this year from last year’s figures, latest data from Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) shows, amid increased interest on one of the seven wonders of the world.
The Victoria Falls Rain Forest has 16 viewing points where tourists can view the Victoria Falls from.
Zimparks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo told Business Times that 1 930 locals went through the gates of the rain forest as compared to 1 600 who came through last year.
Farawo said they also witnessed an increase in the number of international tourists and those from the African region visiting the Victoria Falls.
“We have also witnessed more international visitors, almost 400 visitors came while 220 from the African region visited the rainforest on Christmas Day,” said Farawo.
“This means the rainforest has become a destination of choice and we are encouraging more people to visit the country so that we continue building the US$5bn tourism economy by 2025,” he added.
In the National Tourism Policy and Tourism Master Plan, the government hopes tourism will contribute 25 percent of the country’s Gross domestic product.
Victoria Falls this year registered an increase in the number of local and international tourists who visited the prime tourism destination.
Players in the tourism sector are hoping the trend will continue into the new year.
