Minister Prisca Mupfumira at Triangle.
ZIMBABWE - Environment and Tourism Industry Minister Prisca Mupfumira has promised tourism operators in the South East Zimbabwe that the Government of Zimbabwe shall address the challenges that the sector is facing. She said this during an Environment and Tourism Indaba that was held at Triangle Country Club in Zimbabwe last Friday. "We understand the challenges that this region and the tourism sector is facing especially with network both air and road. You can appreciate how the government is repairing roads countrywide. This region shall not be spared. As for air transport, we are also looking into it. "The Government is not turning a deaf ears on any tourism player but we are working on a strained budget. There is need of lot of finance in order to address all the challenges your are facing," said Minister Mupfumira. The minister went on to challenge the feeling that her office isn't reachable. "Some people think that my office isn't reachable and decide to cry foul. I challenge that. My coming here to the South East region is due to an invitation by one of you here an indication that upon request I am always available," she continued. Minister urged all tourism players to take advantage of the devolution exercise that the Government has embarked upon. "Devolution should be an advantage to tourism players in this region. You have resources like Tugwi-Mukosi, Gonarezhou National Park, all the big rivers like Save and Runde. This makes the region rich in the terms of tourism. Make use of these to develop the region," added Minister Mupfumira. During the same forum ZimParks urged local people to consider domestic tourism by visiting national parks that letting the sector wait for foreign visitors only. Also a call was made to maintain CAMPFIRE principle which allow community surrounding national parks to benefit from tourism.