Call for a review of curfew hours on Victoria Falls

August 17, 2021

Hosia Mviringi

Residents, your operators and hoteliers in and around Victoria Falls have called of government to consider lifting the curfew which was imposed countrywide to stem the spread of Covid-19.

Speaking to this writer, Mr Anald Musonza, the Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe Chairperson, Matebeleland North Chapter, applauded government for opening up land borders into Victoria Falls to fully vaccinated tourists and visitors.

He reckoned that the move was very critical as Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Chobe in Botswana and Livingstone in Zambia are sold as a package to tourists who in turn prefer traversing the expansive wildlife resorts by road

He however noted that the subsisting curfew is further diminishing chances for a quick recovery of the sector as tourists would want to enjoy their holidays unhindered.

"We are grateful to Government for opening up the Victoria Falls and Kazungula land borders to fully vaccinated tourist traffic. We feel strongly that the missing link is the review to the curfew hours as tourists come into a destination to enjoy their stay and that means the curfew times currently in place curtail their movements at certain times," he said

"We saw the restaurants being allowed to open to sit-in clients which is a good move which we applaud.

But a relaxation of trading hours through a review of curfew hours so that late hours are incorporated would be most beneficial. This will help the industry recover quickly with improved revenue generating opportunities due to extended opening hours".

Hotels in and around Victoria Falls have begun to record an upsurge in hotel and tour bookings since the two feeder land borders were opened.

Despite the fact that Victoria Falls Airport had remained open to international flights, continued closure of land borders had acted as a physical barrier to unhindered entry into the prime resort city by over-landers and backpackers.

" These inquiries that they are making give us some hope that in the end hoteliers will be able to resume trading and employment will be created again.

We have seen some improvements over the last few days and we are grateful as hoteliers for the decision by government which will enable us to fully utilise our tourism product," said Mr Musonza.

Mr Musonza intimated that according to estimates, about 50 per cent of workers around Victoria Falls lost their jobs while the remaining 50 per cent were either sent on unpaid leave or were on reduced working shifts.

The lay-offs affected the industry's most experienced workers whose skills and dedication have over the years sustained Zimbabwe in general and Victoria Falls' reputation as a prime tourist destination.

"So we are hoping that the normal shifts will be resumed and that our increased activity will positively impact on our suppliers who will be sure to feel the ripple effects of a rising tourism industry.