Vic Falls Disneyland back on the cards

Zimbabwe’s Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi has reiterated his plans to develop a ‘Disneyland in Africa’ theme park near Victoria Falls. He told the Zimbabwean Newspaper Financial Gazette that he is inviting international bids for the development of multipurpose properties at a proposed theme park in Victoria Falls. 

According to Mzembi, the necessary proposals and approvals for the Victoria Falls real estate park have all been completed. He was quoted as saying: “We were given a 1 274 hectare piece of land in Victoria Falls after UNWTO. In fact, I will soon be inviting expressions of interest from international investors to develop the land.”

Reactions from the tourism industry on the Disneyland project have been divided. Ross Kennedy, CE Africa Albida Tourism, believes the project could potentially boost tourism to the region. According to Kennedy, the project will not detract from Victoria Falls’ current status, as it will be approximately 20kms away from the Falls. He said: “I do believe it would attract more tourists, if it is being designed, created, built and operated in concert to the area and the World Heritage Status of Victoria Falls. "

Onne Vegter, owner Wild Wings Safaris, on the other hand is not convinced a Disney-style theme park will attract more tourists to Zimbabwe or Victoria Falls. He says: “Travellers come to this area for the scenic beauty, the wildlife and safari experience, and the outdoor adventure activities offered in and around Victoria Falls. Theme parks are common all over Europe and America and tourists will probably not feel the need to travel to Zimbabwe to visit a theme park.”

Vegter adds the idea of a theme park at Victoria Falls seems ironic. He explains: “A theme park is an artificial creation – very often modelled on more exciting, real experiences in nature: fake waterfalls, fake animals, fake forests and scenery, etc. In that sense the whole idea strikes me as a bit ironic. Why build something that is fake, when you have the real thing right there?”

Emmanuel Fundira, Group Chief Executive for Astoc Leisure Group in Zimbabwe, is also doubtful the project will become a reality. He explains the pronouncements for the project were made over a year ago and nothing has been operationalised to date. He adds that Zimbabwe doesn’t have the infrastructure to support such a big project in line with the triple As: Access, Accommodation and Activities.

Source: Vic Falls Disneyland back on the cards (25/09/2014)