SADC urged to jointly market tourism

Representatives of Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa and Mozambique, which are signatories to a statement of co-operation in a tourism initiative, said on Wednesday that joint marketing would lead to an improved inflow of visitors into the four countries.

Existing areas of joint ventures included market research, management and budgets, creation of programmes and product databases.

Assistance and co-operation in product development, branding and marketing, border formalities, human resource training and public infrastructure upgrading were other areas which had great potential to boost tourism in the region.

Tourism officials from the four countries were meeting in Harare for the SADC 2010 meeting to discuss the region's preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, and produced a statement of co-operation in the tourism sector.

The four countries had since formed commissions to deal with specific tasks and promote cooperation among member states.

“The commission dealing with market research has been tasked to research and collect data that will assist in gaining a better understanding of the profile of present travellers and their needs,” said Xolani Mthetwa of South Africa.

The commissions would, among other duties, engage countries that have hosted international events to learn from them.

The branding and marketing commission would make sure service providers develop an acceptable brand for the destination as a whole.

In the statement of co-operation, the countries said plans to develop a database of all tourism products, attractions, and services in the region were at an advanced stage.

They also agreed that roads, sign-posting and public transport amenities be upgraded to become user-friendly.

“Lessons should be delivered to sensitise members of the public especially those that may provide services to tourists on importance of creating safe, clean and friendly environments,” the statement said.

The four countries, whose working title is Limpopo-Zambezi Group, aim to identify latent tourism resources and develop them into exciting new products and experiences ahead of the world soccer extravaganza.

Article published courtesy of BuaNews