Poor policy implementation bemoaned: The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has expressed concern over poor implementation of the government’s Open Skies Policy which has resulted in Kenyan Airways giving up on introducing direst flights between Nairobi and Victoria Falls. The Kenyan national flag carrier applied to introduce direct flights to Victoria Falls in 2006 and made a follow-up in 2007 and 2011 with no positive response from the Ministry of Transport, Communication and Infrastructure Development. Speaking during a stakeholders meeting to prepare for the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly in Victoria Falls, ZTA Chief Executive, Karikoga Kaseke said the delay has seen the airline opting to introduce direct flights to Livingstone, adding that the situation can impact negatively on the growth of the local tourism sector. He appealed to the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Engineer Walter Mzembi to look into the matter with his counterparts in the ministry so that efforts can be made to get Kenyan Airways to fly directly to Victoria Falls The core implementation of the Open Skies Policy has remained a hot issue in the tourism sector, which heavily relies on air transport to make the country’s premier destinations more accessible. Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) says progress on the expansion of the Victoria Falls International Airport is being affected by water shortages as the boreholes at the sight are not producing enough for the project. This has seen the aviation body engaging the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) so that water is drawn from Zambezi River. CAAZ General Manager, David Chawota said work on the new 4km long runway has already begun and should be completed in the next 12 months. Mr Chawota said at its completion, the airport will be classified under category ‘B’ by the International Air Transport Association as it will provide required services at international standards. He said the construction of the new international terminal has since started while the current one is undergoing refurbishment for the UNWTO General Assembly. After its completion, the airport will have a new runway, a new international terminal with air bridges for embarking and disembarking, a new control tower and a world class check in and boarding facilities.
Posted on: Sun, 16 Jun 2013 18:19:26 +0000
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