By Derick Tsimba

Zimbabwe’s tourism industry aided by the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry is setting up standards to follow the Covid-19 guidelines as it is heading for reopening and operating under the global Covid-19 pandemic, the Harare Post can report.

Yesterday Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry, Mangaliso Ndlovu and Minister of Local Government and Public Works, July Moyo went on a tour of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site in Victoria Falls to assess preparedness for re-opening of the country’s premier tourism town, Victoria Falls. 

Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry has said his Ministry will follow Government Covid-19 regulations for the re-opening of tourism facilities and local attractions through thorough assessment and enforcement of strict guidelines to ensure the country is a safe tourism destination.

“In terms of re-opening, we must appreciate that we have approached Covid-19 on the basis of our own assessment. It is important to understand our circumstances and not worry much about what other destinations are doing. We must make sure we are not putting people at risk and damaging our image.

“As a Ministry, we have developed guidelines for re-opening. Some hotels have opened under strict guidelines. We do not want the tourism spots to be hotspots for transmission,” said the Minister.
Following the conclusion of the Victoria Falls visit, the Minister is expected to proceed with his his tour to Binga tourism facilities today.