ZTA moves to repossess 5 hotels

THE Zimbabwe Tourism Authority is withdrawing five hotels from the Rainbow Tourism Group, as it moves to enhance its business thrust in line with its economic turnaround project.

In an interview here yesterday, ZTA chief executive Mr Karikoga Kaseke, said ZTA was withdrawing Rainbow Towers and New Ambassador Hotel in Harare, Rainbow Bulawayo, Rainbow Victoria Falls and a lodge in Hwange, as part of its new business thrust.

But RTG chief executive Mrs Chipo Mtasa said she was not aware of any such moves “so we have no comment to make”.

Said Mr Kaseke: “We cannot be a tourism authority without a single hotel or lodge. We have made a decision to repossess Rainbow Towers, Bulawayo Rainbow Hotel, New Ambassador Hotel in Harare, Rainbow Hotel Victoria Falls and a lodge in Hwange. I can’t name the lodge but it’s a good one in Hwange.

“At the peak of the Economic Structural Adjustment Programme, the ZTA leadership of that time surrendered these facilities to the Ministry of Public Construction and they were leased out.”

Asked if the ZTA had the capacity to run the hotel facilities, Mr Kaseke said it could subcontract someone to run or lease them out.

“We must make money out of those facilities. Even if we make US$100 000 a month from them, we will be fine,” said Mr Kaseke.

He said the ZTA had already started working on the necessary modalities to ensure that the hotels become the ZTA’s a cash cow. It had largely survived on Government grants and levies paid by the tourism and hospitality industry.

Mr Kaseke said it “made sense” to repossess the facilities since his organisation had, over the years, rebranded and repositioned itself to market, promote and develop the tourism industry.

ZTA, which hosts many local and international celebrities and media houses as part of its National Perception Management Programme, needs hotel and lodge facilities of varied sizes and comfort.
Over the years, ZTA has been either paying cash or relying on the benevolence of hoteliers to accommodate its visitors.

“As an authority we need to invest in the industry as well, so that we get first-hand experience on the situation on the ground.

“We need to work on serious investment projects elsewhere in the country’s tourist resorts, so that we generate income for ourselves,” said Mr Kaseke.

Source: ZTA to repossess 5 hotels (16/10/11)

Victoria Falls charms Knight Rider

From Patrick Chitumba in Victoria Falls

POPULAR American actor, singer and businessman David Michael Hasselhoff, popularly known as Michael Knight, was in the resort town of Victoria Falls on a three-day private visit.
He was expected to leave Zimbabwe yesterday.

The Hoff, as he is known these days, rose to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s as the leading actor in the popular television series Knight Rider, alongside his famous car KITT.

He was also part of another popular series – Baywatch – alongside blonde beauty Pamela Anderson.
Hasselhoff, who was in the company of his fiancée Hayley Louise Roberts and his cousin Nicholas Jean Corjon, said he was in the country to enjoy the splendour associated with one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Victoria Falls Rainforest and the mighty Zambezi River.

These are among other adventures that make the resort town the tourism hub of Southern Africa.
In an exclusive interview at the five-star Victoria Falls Hotel, where he booked in soon after his arrival from South Africa, Hasselhoff said this was his second visit to Victoria Falls.

“I was here in 1986 with my father and I will always want to visit this place. “I am here to show them the beauty of what God made, the Falls, it is so beautiful.”

He added that he had fond memories of Victoria Falls with the most vivid one being when a monkey entered their hotel room.

“Back then, there was a sign written that when a monkey enters a guest room, you should report to management.

“So one day we walked into our room and found the monkey. We called management and they came and took it out and it was such an experience,” he said.

He said he also remembers that he once bartered a pair of tennis shoes for an elephant tusk but was quick to note that things had changed.

“Right now there is the moratorium on the trade of ivory and I believe it is good for the protection of the wildlife. The last time I was here I traded my pair of tennis shoes for ivory,” he said.
Hasselhoff added that he was touched by the fact that people in South Africa and Zimbabwe still recognised him for the role he played in Knight Rider.

“I also visited South Africa during the apartheid era to show support for the people who were fighting against it and what I have learnt is that the people want to see a happy world where there is love and friendship.”

Hasselhoff also said his visit to Victoria Falls might prove worthwhile since he intended to propose to his fiancée while bungee jumping.

“I proposed to her when we were in South Africa when we were under the ocean in a cage watching sharks and she refused even after I had told her that I was going to open the gate of the cage and we will be eaten by sharks.

“I even proposed to here in front of charging elephants and she still said no so I will again propose, as I do bungee jumping or the swing,” he said.

Hasselhoff also said that he was hoping to do white- water rafting in the Zambezi River together with his fiancée.

“For the next three days we are here in Victoria Falls and we intend to do a lot of adventure activities as we have a lot of fun with my fiancée and my cousin, as we see the world together.

“So basically we are having more of fun than anything here in Victoria Falls it is very spiritual. I think that sitting on the edge of the falls is the closest that you’ll ever come to God. And you’re going to want to jump. It is so powerful, you’ll just want to give yourself back to God ,” he said.

Source: Victoria Falls charms Knight Rider (27/09/11)

Vic Falls reports an upswing in arrivals

Vic Falls in Zimbabwe is reporting an impressive turn around with a big increase in occupancy levels. According to occupancy records at seven hotels, covering a total of 1 008 rooms, levels were up by 20% based on the same seven month last year (January to July). This translates into 13 193 extra rooms occupied over the same period in 2010.

Several hotels reported having their best July since 2000 with occupancies at 70% and above. Furthermore, going forward August to November is looking promising with greater occupancies forecast. There are reports of 80% and upwards and average room rates and REVPar are rising in tandem.

According to Ross Kennedy, CEO of Africa Albida, "Victoria Falls Safari Lodge had the best July occupancy in 10 years at 70%. The Boma Place of Eating had its second best July ever. Only July 2007 saw more covers per night at an average of 183, while 2011 had on average 163 per night."

Meanwhile Ilala Lodge Hotel General Manager, Roddy Meiring, advised that "the hotel saw a massive 87% occupancy in July 2011, which is up 15% on last year".

General Manager of The Victoria Falls Hotel, Karl Snater, says "we have seen an increase in occupancies from 2010, for all months except March, with July showing a massive 21% increase in occupancy from last year".

According to Kennedy, there are several reasons why Vic Falls is seeing an upswing while many other destinations continue to struggle to fill beds. "The settling and stability of the economy since dollarisation in 2009 has meant that the supply chain has normalised and is thus operating to international standards. In addition it has meant that use of foreign currency, pricing and access to goods has normalised and we are once again a tourist-friendly destination," he says.

Kennedy adds that the UK market, along with other markets that stopped supporting the area, have started to come back after "staying away" for most of the last 10 years and many operators who moved business across to Zambia between 200 and 2010 have now moved their clients back to Vic Falls.

"Destination marketing campaigns such as the Go To Victoria Falls campaign have also paid off, along with international and regional awareness and education campaigns with the travel trade and consumers," concludes Kennedy.

Source: Vic Falls reports an upswing in arrivals (30/08/11)

Victoria Falls reports good occupancies

Feedback from Go To Victoria Falls members reveals that arrivals into Victoria Falls have seen a turnaround. The monthly fair market share statistics at the end of July show a substantial increase from last year as well as previous years. This is in direct contrast to the current tourism arrival figures in other Southern African destinations.

According to occupancy records at seven different hotels, covering a total of 1 008 rooms, arrivals into the destination were up by 20%, based on the same seven-month period last year (January to July). This translates into 13 193 extra rooms occupied (63 per night) over the same period in 2010.

Several hotels reported their best July since 2000, at 70%+ occupancies, and in some cases, July was among the best three or four months ever experienced at these hotels.

Forecasts for August to November look promising for the destination, with even greater occupancies predicted according to the in system occupancies for these hotels. There are reports of 80%+ and perhaps even the possibility of a few at 90%+. In addition, average room rates and Revenue Per Available Room (Revpar) are rising in tandem.

The economic and downstream benefits of this arrival trend are obvious as international and regional tourists, along with Zimbabwean visitors, spend ever increasing amounts of disposable income on their holidays. All areas of tourism, which include hotels, transfers, activities, restaurants, national parks, curio sellers, fuel stations, supermarkets and suppliers of goods, should see an upswing in revenue as a result of these increased arrivals.

According to Ross Kennedy, CEO of Africa Albida, “Victoria Falls Safari Lodge had the best July occupancy in 10 years at 70%. The Boma Place of Eating had its second best July ever. Only July 2007 saw more covers per night at an average of 183, while 2011 had on average 163 per night.”

Ilala Lodge Hotel GM, Roddy Meiring, says: “The hotel saw a massive 87% occupancy in July 2011, which is up 15% on last year.”

GM of The Victoria Falls Hotel, Karl Snater, adds: “We have seen an increase in occupancies from 2010 for all months except March, with July showing a massive 21% increase in occupancy from last year.”

These statistics show that while many destinations in Southern Africa might be seeing a decline in visitors, Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side is on the up and once again being recognised as a world-class destination.

Source: Victoria Falls reports good occupancies (23/08/11)

Victoria Falls Occupancy levels 15 August 2011

Feedback from Go To Victoria Falls members is that arrivals into Vic Falls have seen an impressive turn around, with the monthly fair market share stats at the end of July [2011], showing a huge increase from last and previous years. This is in direct contrast to the current tourism arrival figures in other Southern African destinations. According to occupancy records at seven different hotels, covering a total of 1008 rooms, arrivals into the destination were up by 20%, based on the same seven months last year (January to July). This translates into 13,193 extra rooms occupied, (63 per night) over the same period in 2010.

Several hotels had their best July since 2000, at an astounding 70% + occupancies, and in some cases, July was amongst the best three or four months ever experienced at these hotels.

Furthermore, going forward August to November is looking extremely promising for the destination, with even greater occupancies forecast, according to the in system occupancies   for these hotels. There are reports of 80% + and perhaps even the possibility of a few at 90% +. In addition, average room rates and Revenue Per Available Room (Revpar) are rising in tandem, which is fantastic news for the destination.

The economic and downstream benefits of this arrival trend are obvious as international and regional tourists, along with Zimbabwean visitors, spend ever increasing amounts of disposable income on their holidays. All areas of tourism, which include hotels, transfers, activities, restaurants, national parks, curio sellers, fuel stations, supermarkets and suppliers of goods, will be seeing a direct upswing in revenue as a result of these increased arrivals.

According to Ross Kennedy, CEO of Africa Albida, “Victoria Falls Safari Lodge had the best July occupancy in 10 years at 70%. The Boma Place of Eating had its second best July ever. Only July 2007 saw more covers per night at an average of 183, while 2011 had on average 163 per night.”

Meanwhile Ilala Lodge Hotel General Manager, Roddy Meiring, advised that “the hotel saw a massive 87% occupancy in July 2011, which is up 15% on last year”.

General Manager of The Victoria Falls Hotel, Karl Snater, says “we have seen an increase in occupancies from 2010, for all months except March, with July showing a massive 21% increase in occupancy from last year”.

These statistics show that while many destinations in Southern Africa might be seeing a decline in visitors, Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side is on the up and once again being recognised as the world class destination, it has always been proud to be.

Source:  Victoria Falls Occupancy levels (15 August 2011)

Thrills of the Victoria Falls Bridge tour

(eTN) - The Victoria Falls Bridge was alive with youngsters who had come to bungee jump, to slide across the gorge, or to swing on a cable. For the more sedate people, like myself, there is also something to do – a Bridge Story and Tour.

We were taken into the storytellers' room covered with pictures of the construction of the bridge in 1904. There we found a man sitting at a desk drawing. The man was George Imbault, the engineer of the bridge... that was what he told us, anyway... the fact that he would have been about 150 years old, didn’t seem to matter.

George Imbault got up from his desk and told us the story of the bridge. It was most entertaining. He was quite an actor. And he got all his facts right and told us things I didn’t know.

After our story, we were togged up in harnesses to go for a walk under the bridge. The harnesses are attached to straps and carabiners (metal clasps). These we were to use to attach ourselves to a rope as we walked along the pathway.

Crossing the railway line and road, we took the steps down the side of the bridge, attaching our harnesses as we went. The footpath under the bridge is a metal grill, and looking down between my feet, I could see the water below. I felt a bit woozy, but I think the harness gave me a sense of security, and it really wasn’t that bad.

Mr. Imbault came with us on the walk, too, and continued his fascinating stories of the bridge. The most interesting bit was the explanation of the vibrations of the bridge as a truck or train passes along it. The four pillars, which hold the bridge in position, have bearings under them to allow for movement of the bridge. If they weren’t there, the bridge would soon crack and break.

Mr. Imbault told us that the very last rivet to be used in the construction was made of gold. I looked for it among the thousands... but I didn’t see it.

We walked right across the bridge underneath and climbed up the ladder at the other end. Wandering back across the bridge, this time on the road, we stopped to watch the "jumpers" and "sliders."

Back at the reception, we took off our harnesses and then retired for a cool drink on the deck. The deck overlooks the gorge and the bridge, and it is a great spot for a couple of hours of viewing. I watched a few bungees, swings, and slides. A good afternoon’s entertainment... especially from this side of the gorge.

Source: Thrills of the Victoria Falls Bridge tour (19/07/11)

Baboon Causes Man to Fall to His Death

(Victoria Falls)

ZAMBIAN TRAGEDY - Date: 10th June 2011 - Early in June a tragic incident occurred on the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls. Following a stand-off with a baboon, which had taken an interest in a plastic carrier bag a tourist was carrying (which we understand to have only held a camera and no food), an American tourist slipped and fell to his death from the edge of the gorge.

The baboons on the Zambian side have long been far more troublesome than their relatives on the Zimbabwe side, often hi-jacking food stuffs from local people crossing the bridge near the border post and causing problems for tourists walking between the Falls and the Hotels located very close by.

Care should be taken when encountering baboons, even in Victoria Falls town and surrounds, especially if you are walking on your own and carrying food in plastic shopping bags. A sudden snatch-and-grab attack can leave you shaken and holding a torn plastic bag with a few less items of shopping. A backpack is probably safer (and reduces the plastic rubbish created by the town) and often locals are around who will be more than happy to walk with you if you are unsure. If re-using plastic bags for carrying non-food items, ensure the bag is clean and has not recently carried fruit or other fresh food stuffs which may leave behind an inviting smell to baboons. Certainly never feed baboons or any other wild animal.

Large male baboons can be extremely powerful and intimidating, especially if running straight towards you, with obvious intent in their eyes. If you find yourself in this situation, drop the shopping bag and step away. Do not attempt to wrestle with baboons for the ownership of your bag.

Residents of Victoria Falls walk past baboons every day, often within a few metres, without event. Knowing your baboon behaviour helps, and if you can’t observe baboons in the wild, watch a few wildlife documentaries to help you read their behaviour and reactions. Animals also read our behaviour, and it is important not to show fear or panic and to walk with confidence, purpose and direction. Keep an eye on all the baboons around you but avoid prolonged direct eye contact with individuals as this can be seen as a challenge or threat.

The key thing to remember in all animal close encounters is respect. Wild animals can be dangerous. However many animals will react with calm acceptance of your presence if you do not push their boundaries of tolerance. Whilst this varies with species and individuals, learning to read animal behaviour and react accordingly is a key requirement of any bush guide or ranger, or indeed anyone living in close proximity to wild animals – such as the residents of Victoria Falls.

Source: Baboon Causes Man to Fall to His Death (June 2011)