After years in the tourism wilderness, Zimbabwe is bouncing back strongly. According to the WTTC, its tourism economy is set to grow 6.3 percent this year. The influential travel and tourism body also predicts that Zimbabwe will continue growing at 8.2 percent per annum over the next decade, the second highest in the world after China.

The last couple of years have seen a marked improvement in the roads and food is now plentiful, thanks to the introduction of the American dollar as the currency.

Even more than shaking off the stigma of the Mugabe regime, the biggest challenge facing the country is the limited financial resources to improve the product that is available.

(The WTTC 11th Global Travel & Tourism Summit, Las Vegas)

Blessed with one of the world’s great natural wonders in Victoria Falls as well as incredible game safaris, Zimbabwe’s tourism industry has plenty going for it. And with the political and economic situation improving, a number of nations including the UK and USA have lifted their travel restrictions.

With so few visiting the country, those who do can expect royal treatment. They need you. But preconceptions aside, Zimbabwe is one of Africa’s tourism jewels, offering an abundance of wildlife and a warmth of welcome that you will find hard to rival anywhere else in the continent.

Indaba 2011 earlier this month proved a fruitful show for Zimbabwean tourism, with stakeholders reporting that they have sealed a number of deals. The development has raised hopes that the country’s tourism sector is on the road to recovery after years in the wilderness.

According ZBC News, more than 27 Zimbabwean private and public sector tourism stakeholders said this year’s tourism fair in Durban, South Africa, marks a change in the country’s tourism sector.

Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Chief Executive, Karikoga Kaseke said it is clear that Zimbabwe has made a strong come back to the market as the second best tourism destination in the region after South Africa.

Wild Zambezi Operator, Ms Sally Wynn, Cresta Hospitality representative, Rusununguko Tairoodza and Khanondo Safaris and Tours representative, Forward Mutero among other operators all agreed that the Zimbabwe stand at the Indaba is filled with international buyers from around the world.

Harari.Mobi

City.Mobi has launched its new guide to the capital of Zimbabwe, Harare.

Harari.Mobi is the latest in this illustrious line up, offering click to call functionality – which means no scribbling down telephone numbers.

Most entries are also linked to websites where users can quickly access more detailed information if needed. Other key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport.

City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.

The WTTC Global Travel & Tourism Summit took place at the Aria Resort & Convention Centre, Las Vegas, 17-19 May 2011. To find out more visit www.globaltraveltourism.com