Unrest and insecurity are weighing down Zimbabwe’s tourism brand and business, say members of the country’s tourism industry.

According to Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Walter Mzembi, tourism cannot package conflict and no one visits a destination with conflict.

Mzembi spoke about the recent protests and stay-aways in the country, which attracted negative publicity from both local and international media saying such scenarios affected the sector’s vision of a $5 billion tourism economy by 2020.

“In as much as we are working towards a $5 billion tourism economy, there are situations like the numerous roadblocks and protests that weigh down the tourism brand. Demonstrations affect tourism as no tourist goes to a destination known for insecurity and instability,” said Mzembi, adding that if citizens wanted to engage government on certain issues it was important not to do so in an unruly way as it was to a country’s detriment.

Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Chief Executive, Karikoga Kaseke, revealed that during the recent protests, which saw people burning tyres and engaging in acts of violence, embassies issued travel warnings against visiting Zimbabwe.

“Tourism is meant to be a people-to-people business and not government to government, but embassies issued travel warnings and told people to visit Zimbabwe at their own risk. We do not need that,” said Kaseke.

Shearwater Public Relations Manager, Clement Mukwasi, said travel warnings and bans inevitably led to a destination losing out on prospective revenue.

However, he said the recent disturbances in Zimbabwe were mainly inland and did not affect the resort town.

“People who were protesting mainly in Vic Falls did not engage in acts of violence,” he said.

Tourism Update is increasing its coverage of destinations outside South Africa. Do you have news in Zimbabwe and Zambia? Send your news to editor@tourismupdate.co.za.