Givemore Chidzidzi has a huge challenge on his hands, but he remains surprisingly optimistic. "As the saying goes, it's not the falling that matters - it's how you get back up," he says.
In this case, however, the fall is not one from which a recovery is easy. As the chief operating officer of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), Mr Chidzidzi watched his country's tourism industry boom in the late 1990s and then collapse over the past decade amid devastating economic conditions and human rights abuses under the oppressive regime of Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe's president.
Mr Chidzidzi explains that in an attempt to salvage the industry, the authority is turning to new tourism markets such as the Middle East, with a particular focus on the Gulf. "They are high-spending tourists to begin with," Mr Chidzidzi says. "Not only that, but we have what they are looking for - the climate, the wildlife, the people, and there is only one Victoria Falls." The numbers of tourists going to Zimbabwe from the Middle East are small, but there is huge potential for growth, he says. And there are already signs of that. In the first quarter of this year, Zimbabwe received 695 tourists from the region, compared with 548 in the same period last year. Mr Chidzidzi is quick to highlight that the early part of the year is not the high season for visitors from the Middle East.
He says that hunting, which is legal in Zimbabwe, is likely to be a popular attraction for visitors from the Middle East. Last year, Dubai World said it had invested in the Bubye game park in Zimbabwe, where hunting tours take place. The ZTA also hopes that the image of the country has not been tarnished as badly in the Middle East as it has been in western markets. "Perceptions are difficult to manage," Mr Chidzidzi says. "Obviously, for us these perceptions came about for reasons that we also know and appreciate. The decline in our tourism and, obviously, our whole economic demise was something that was triggered by our land-reform programme. It's a challenge for us."
Ten years ago, white-owned commercial farms were seized from their owners, often with violence, resulting in the displacement of workers. The agricultural industry subsequently deteriorated, unemployment soared to above 90 per cent, infrastructure suffered and the country had the world's highest inflation rate as money was printed to plug budget deficits. The low point for the country was 2008, amid the political violence of the election campaigns. A cholera epidemic also struck.
Some foreign authorities issued travel warnings and many operators stopped selling tours to the country. Now there are some signs of relative improvement, with a cross-party government in place, although locals say that in reality power still lies with Mr Mugabe. The country abandoned the Zimbabwean dollar last year in preference for foreign currencies, greatly reducing inflation, which had reached an annual rate of 231 million per cent in 2008.
The government believes revitalisation of the tourism sector could be key to the country's broader economic recovery. "Tourism in Zimbabwe is recognised as a very effective tool for development, and it's economic powers cannot be overestimated," Mr Chidzidzi says. "The government has declared tourism to be one of the strategic economic sectors for Zimbabwe. We are coming from a situation where our economy was declining, and right now we are on a recovery path, and we know that the accelerator for the recovery happens to be the tourism industry."
Initiatives by Zimbabwe include recruiting celebrities to try to change the country's image. The Senegalese-American singer Akon and the Grammy-winning Jamaican dancehall and reggae artist Sean Paul performed there last month. The sector also tried to capitalise on the FIFA World Cup in neighbouring South Africa this summer, although hoteliers say the event had little direct impact on Zimbabwe. Analysts believe there is hope for the industry.
"Zimbabwe's travel and tourism industry is believed to have seen its worst years," analysts at Euromonitor International wrote in a report on travel and tourism in Zimbabwe. "The appetite for Zimbabwe will be hungrier than ever if the agreement signed by the country's main political parties succeeds in bringing stability. However, the country still has to deal with a number of challenges, including spiralling inflation, negative real interest rates, a chronic shortage of foreign exchange, a shortage of cash and a high investment risk. The success of long-term growth in the travel and tourism industry will depend on the government's ability to sustain meaningful financial, economic, political, as well as social reforms."
One of the main factors holding back the tourism industry is that many airlines stopped flying to Zimbabwe amid its troubles. British Airways stopped its direct service three years ago, citing fuel costs and economic feasibility. It was one of many airlines. "The country has witnessed the withdrawal of a number of reputable airlines, citing viability problems," Euromonitor says. "Approximately 18 international airlines are reported to have left the country since the start of Zimbabwe's economic crisis."
The ZTA says that steps are being taken to improve the connectivity and that the country is keen to establish better links with the GCC. "We are seriously talking to airlines in the Middle East to service Harare directly," Mr Chidzidzi says. The tourism authority had been in contact with Emirates Airline, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways, he says. Air Zimbabwe was also flying between Harare and Dubai but stopped the service last year. But now the carrier is considering reintroducing that service, Mr Chidzidzi says.
Before the troubles over land reform, tourists flocked to the Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe's main attraction. But the fortunes of the tourist town at the attraction declined dramatically. Hoteliers in the area say occupancy levels fell below 20 per cent amid the country's economic and political deterioration. Business is now gradually returning, they say. "We're on our way up, but I think there's still a lot of confidence that we need to regain," says Kevin Fry, the general manager at the Ilala Lodge Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel at Victoria Falls. "It's a long process. You're taking 10 years of a decline and you've got to try and turn that around. It'll take years to sort it out."
He says companies need to put more money into the country. "They are unsure themselves on the future, so they're not willing to put money in." Mr Chidzidzi is confident the tourism authority can succeed. "No problem is insurmountable. If some parts of the world can continue receiving tourists and Zimbabwe doesn't even have half the problems some of those destinations have, why should Zimbabwe as a destination continue to decline?"
rbundhun@thenational.ae
The smuggler
Eldarir had arrived at JFK in January 2020 with three suitcases, containing goods he valued at $300, when he was directed to a search area.
Officers found 41 gold artefacts among the bags, including amulets from a funerary set which prepared the deceased for the afterlife.
Also found was a cartouche of a Ptolemaic king on a relief that was originally part of a royal building or temple.
The largest single group of items found in Eldarir’s cases were 400 shabtis, or figurines.
Khouli conviction
Khouli smuggled items into the US by making false declarations to customs about the country of origin and value of the items.
According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, he provided “false provenances which stated that [two] Egyptian antiquities were part of a collection assembled by Khouli's father in Israel in the 1960s” when in fact “Khouli acquired the Egyptian antiquities from other dealers”.
He was sentenced to one year of probation, six months of home confinement and 200 hours of community service in 2012 after admitting buying and smuggling Egyptian antiquities, including coffins, funerary boats and limestone figures.
For sale
A number of other items said to come from the collection of Ezeldeen Taha Eldarir are currently or recently for sale.
Their provenance is described in near identical terms as the British Museum shabti: bought from Salahaddin Sirmali, "authenticated and appraised" by Hossen Rashed, then imported to the US in 1948.
- An Egyptian Mummy mask dating from 700BC-30BC, is on offer for £11,807 ($15,275) online by a seller in Mexico
- A coffin lid dating back to 664BC-332BC was offered for sale by a Colorado-based art dealer, with a starting price of $65,000
- A shabti that was on sale through a Chicago-based coin dealer, dating from 1567BC-1085BC, is up for $1,950
In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
Pupils in Abu Dhabi are learning the importance of being active, eating well and leading a healthy lifestyle now and throughout adulthood, thanks to a newly launched programme 'Healthy Lifestyle'.
As part of the Healthy Lifestyle programme, specially trained coaches from City Football Schools, along with Healthpoint physicians have visited schools throughout Abu Dhabi to give fun and interactive lessons on working out regularly, making the right food choices, getting enough sleep and staying hydrated, just like their favourite footballers.
Organised by Manchester City FC and Healthpoint, Manchester City FC’s regional healthcare partner and part of Mubadala’s healthcare network, the ‘Healthy Lifestyle’ programme will visit 15 schools, meeting around 1,000 youngsters over the next five months.
Designed to give pupils all the information they need to improve their diet and fitness habits at home, at school and as they grow up, coaches from City Football Schools will work alongside teachers to lead the youngsters through a series of fun, creative and educational classes as well as activities, including playing football and other games.
Dr Mai Ahmed Al Jaber, head of public health at Healthpoint, said: “The programme has different aspects - diet, exercise, sleep and mental well-being. By having a focus on each of those and delivering information in a way that children can absorb easily it can help to address childhood obesity."
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
PSA DUBAI WORLD SERIES FINALS LINE-UP
Men’s:
Mohamed El Shorbagy (EGY)
Ali Farag (EGY)
Simon Rosner (GER)
Tarek Momen (EGY)
Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL)
Gregory Gaultier (FRA)
Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY)
Nick Matthew (ENG)
Women's:
Nour El Sherbini (EGY)
Raneem El Welily (EGY)
Nour El Tayeb (EGY)
Laura Massaro (ENG)
Joelle King (NZE)
Camille Serme (FRA)
Nouran Gohar (EGY)
Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG)
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylturbo
Transmission: seven-speed DSG automatic
Power: 242bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Price: Dh136,814
THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
Favourite book: Science and geology
Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC
Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
MATCH INFO
Chelsea 0
Liverpool 2 (Mane 50', 54')
Red card: Andreas Christensen (Chelsea)
Man of the match: Sadio Mane (Liverpool)
UK%20-%20UAE%20Trade
%3Cp%3ETotal%20trade%20in%20goods%20and%20services%20(exports%20plus%20imports)%20between%20the%20UK%20and%20the%20UAE%20in%202022%20was%20%C2%A321.6%20billion%20(Dh98%20billion).%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EThis%20is%20an%20increase%20of%2063.0%20per%20cent%20or%20%C2%A38.3%20billion%20in%20current%20prices%20from%20the%20four%20quarters%20to%20the%20end%20of%202021.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EThe%20UAE%20was%20the%20UK%E2%80%99s%2019th%20largest%20trading%20partner%20in%20the%20four%20quarters%20to%20the%20end%20of%20Q4%202022%20accounting%20for%201.3%20per%20cent%20of%20total%20UK%20trade.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
More from Neighbourhood Watch
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
The bio:
Favourite film:
Declan: It was The Commitments but now it’s Bohemian Rhapsody.
Heidi: The Long Kiss Goodnight.
Favourite holiday destination:
Declan: Las Vegas but I also love getting home to Ireland and seeing everyone back home.
Heidi: Australia but my dream destination would be to go to Cuba.
Favourite pastime:
Declan: I love brunching and socializing. Just basically having the craic.
Heidi: Paddleboarding and swimming.
Personal motto:
Declan: Take chances.
Heidi: Live, love, laugh and have no regrets.
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
MATCH INFO
Fixture: Ukraine v Portugal, Monday, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: BeIN Sports
Stage result
1. Jasper Philipsen (Bel) Alpecin-Fenix 4:42:34
2. Sam Bennett (Irl) Bora-Hansgrohe
3. Elia Viviani (Ita) Ineos Grenadiers
4. Dylan Groenewegen (Ned) BikeExchange-Jayco
5. Emils Liepins (Lat) Trek-Segafredo
6. Arnaud Demare (Fra) Groupama-FDJ
7. Max Kanter (Ger) Movistar Team
8. Olav Kooij (Ned) Jumbo-Visma
9. Tom Devriendt (Bel) Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux
10. Pascal Ackermann (Ger) UAE Team Emirate
Honeymoonish
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Elie%20El%20Samaan%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENour%20Al%20Ghandour%2C%20Mahmoud%20Boushahri%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
