Zimbabwe?s Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services minister Monica Mutsvangwa has announced that domestic flights will resume within the southern African country today, while international flights will resume by October 1.
?All travellers [into Zimbabwe] will be required to have a PCR Covid -19 clearance certificate issued by a recognised facility within 48 hours from the date of departure, in line with WHO guidelines,? said Ms Mutsvangwa.
Hospitality group Africa Albida Tourism?s chief executive Ross Kennedy has welcomed the decision, saying, ?This is a welcome and very positive decision by the cabinet and ministry. We are preparing to introduce some operational protocols and publish all the necessary Statutory Instrument regulations. We are collaborating with our air partners in Zimbabwe to get passengers into the skies and enjoy the wonderful and diverse destinations and experiences in Africa."
?Victoria Falls airport is ready to operate the first flights in the coming few days or week. We are still in talks about regional airlines access to Victoria Falls, Livingstone and Kasane airports from South Africa and our regional neighbours and hopeful that borders will open soon, to also allow self-drive traffic,? Mr Kennedy said. ?The Victoria Falls Regional Tourism Association is engaged with fellow stakeholders in this ongoing initiative to get tourism going again. It is good news to see Emirates announce that they will fly to Harare twice every week from October 1. We are trying to get African carriers such as Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways to return to Victoria Falls airport, to boost regional tourism.?
AAT operates a portfolio of properties in Victoria Falls, including Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls Safari Club, Victoria Falls Safari Suites, Lokuthula Lodges and The Boma Dinner & Drum Show.
