Tourism Shredded By Coronavirus In Zimbabwe
Faizan Hashmi Published September 26, 2021 | 02:10 PM
HARARE, Zimbabwe, 26 Sept (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Sep, 2021 ) -:The once popular Lion & Cheetah Park, located some 25 kilometers (16 miles) west of Zimbabwe's capital Harare, is now mostly empty, hosting only a handful visitors in months amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Even Chinhoyi Caves, once a tourist hub, has lost the mob of visitors to coronavirus and business is in the doldrums, according to tourism activists in the town which is 120 kilometers (75 miles) northwest of Harare.
Not forgetting Cleveland dam about 10 kilometers (6 miles) east of Harare.
Just over a year ago, Cleveland dam used to draw hundreds of indigenous tourists every day, but with the advent of coronavirus, that is no more.
- Low business "Very few people come here now since coronavirus broke out, necessitating a series of lockdowns to defeat the disease. There is very little activity as you can see," a security guard who manned the gate at the popular dam, told Anadolu Agency.
In the vicinity of Chinhoyi Caves, Mike Nharire, 32, who has over the years sold stone sculptors to tourists, has fallen on hard times.
"I have no money. Business is very low now since the government previously ordered closure of tourist spots and it means no money for us depending on providing services to tourists," said Nharire.
- Few tourists visiting Zimbabwe With very few tourists trickling into the country, for many like Nharire who said he has a wife and three children to look after, it means hard times are in the offing.
Yet the crisis of many like him deepens at a time the world celebrates World Tourism Day on Sept. 27 each year.
In fact, since 1980, the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has celebrated World Tourism Day as international observances on Sept. 27, a date chosen in 1970 when the statutes of the UNWTO were adopted.
But with coronavirus shutting off the industry across the globe and in Zimbabwe in particular, the losses incurred have been colossal, leaving many like Nharire clutching at straws.
According to the UN, the impact of COVID-19 on tourism will cost the world economy $4 trillion, with developing countries among the most affected ones.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Pakistan's total liquid foreign reserves reach $ 13.42 billion
European stock markets head into Easter break with slight gains
Over Rs 64 billion disbursed among deserving, needy under Benazir Kafaalat schem ..
Battles, bombardment in Gaza as US says Israel talks back on
Aeon & Trisl signifies back-to-back successes by securing the No. 1 Award at the ..
China lifts punitive tariffs on Australian wine
Asian markets mixed after Fed official floats rate cut delay
CCP to sign MoU China’s market regulatory
Attaullah Tarar’s success notification from NA-127 challenged
Rupee gains 01 paisa against dollar
PSX closed at historic high level of over 67,000 points
PSX witnesses positive trend today
More Stories From Pakistan
-
Commissioner for making drug addicts useful citizens through skills
29 minutes ago -
Health Minister handovers emergency medicine supplies to hospitals in 17 districts
39 minutes ago -
Interior Minister inspects various sections of CTD headquarters
39 minutes ago -
CTP accelerate operation against encroachments, illegal parking
49 minutes ago -
DG Health announces construction of new dental unit at RHC Khangarh
49 minutes ago -
MDA to make new U-turns on Bosan road to ease traffic flow
49 minutes ago
-
Dengue preventive, control campaign accelerates in district
58 minutes ago -
Commissioner presides meeting regarding 21th Ramazan of Larkana region
58 minutes ago -
Court awards two-time death sentence in a murder case
59 minutes ago -
NHA working to remove debris to open Zhob-Dhanasar road
59 minutes ago -
UNICEF delegation calls on KP CM; discusses issues of public welfare
59 minutes ago -
65 Deputy Public Prosecutors promoted
1 hour ago