Change in Zimbabwe spells hope for tourism

'Momentous' changes on Zimbabwe's political landscape have raised hopes that the country's promising tourism could once again flourish, led by Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe's leading attraction and a Natural World Wonder.

"Zimbabwe stands at the brink of momentous change," said Ross Kennedy, spokesman for the gotovictoriafalls.com campaign, which for the past three years has championed efforts to keep the destination on the world tourist map. "The opposition leader being sworn in last week as Prime Minister was just a start."

A broad-based government incorporating Zimbabwe's three main political parties came into effect following the premier's appointment.

A new Minister of the renamed Tourism and Hospitality, Walter Mzembi, started work this week and was scheduled to meet industry leaders almost immediately. Another new ministry, Environment and Natural Resources, led by former tourism minister Francis Nhema, is expected to promote Zimbabwe's conservation programmes and further develop ambitious transfrontier parks as well as restore Zimbabwe's once admired National Parks.

Much work lies ahead in getting Zimbabwe back on the map. But tourism industry leaders at a meeting in the capital Harare yesterday were confident that given the right operating environment, tourism - one of Zimbabwe's economic pillars alongside agriculture and mining pre-2000 - presented the best opportunity for the quickest recovery of Zimbabwe's economy and job creation.

"That Victoria Falls is one of the world's most magnificent natural splendours was never in question. That it has remained tranquil, safe, operational and welcoming is something the world now understands," said Mr Kennedy.

There is renewed hope that as the new government settles and systems resume working in Zimbabwe, warnings against travel to the country will be lifted. Already, international aid to arrest the spread of cholera has started pouring in.

Falls bush-men seek glory in cricket clash

This weekend 20 - 22 February 2009 sees three social cricket teams converge on the edge of the Okavango Delta for the annual James Bordman Memorial Trophy, reports Robin Brown of Victoria Falls adventure operator CanSaf.

Each year teams from Victoria Falls, Kasane (Chobe ) and Maun (Okavango Delta) play a two-day cricket tournament to celebrate the life of top safari guide and great personality from the region, James Bordman, a Zimbabwean qualified professional guide who learnt his trade paddling the Zambezi and walking in the Mana Pools National Park.

This will be the 10th year the tournament has been held and the second to be held in the Delta, literally on a field cut out of one of the islands in the amazing wetland and wildlife haven. The teams will be based at the Okavango River Lodge and will cross the river each day to play the eight or so 15-over cricket games. The teams are predominantly made up of Safari Guides and other Safari and tourism business stakeholders.

Last year the Tournament was won by a Maun team which beat the Kasane Flat Dogs to the trophy in the final. Word has it this year that Victoria Falls are rounding on the event with serious intent!