And the Award Goes To....ZIMBABWE

by Faniso Zimunya
(Victoria Falls)

The European Council on Tourism and Trade voted Zimbabwe as the ‘World’s Best Tourist Destination’ of 2014. This award was given for characteristics such as wilderness and prolific wildlife, adventure sports and high safety records, natural beauty, high standards in the hospitality industry, and ecotourism. The award comes at a much needed time and solidifies that fact that Zimbabweans worked hard to bring the country back to its old self while moving with the times. The success of the UNTWO General Assembly which took place in Victoria Falls gave Zimbabwe that much needed limelight.

The ECTT is a European Union institute which aims to promote tourism to international destinations. It is one of the most reputable organisations in the world in its field. The promotion that the 2014 award will hopefully give Zimbabwe a boost as long as the country keeps with and improves on its reputation. Zimbabwe has already been experiencing an increase in visitors to 2.4 million in 2011. However, the number of international visitors was very small. Recent activity in Victoria Falls may help to also change this.