VISIT OF TOURISM MALAYSIA SOUTH AFRICA TO HARARE, 10-17 OCTOBER 2010

Arising from the invitation of the Zimbabwean Government for Malaysia to participate at the Annual 3rd Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo in Harare, a delegation from Tourism Malaysia based in Johannesburg paid a 7-day visit to Harare from 10-17 October 2010.  The 2-member delegation comprised of Tourism Malaysia Director, Mr Mazhaidy Mazlan and Deputy Director, Mr Shahrim Tan.

The delegation called on the Charge d' Affaires (CDA) at the Embassy on 11 October 2010 before attending meetings with General Manager of Air Zimbabwe, Chief Operating Officer of Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry of Zimbabwe.  The delegation also met with various tourism agents in Harare.  The CDA hosted a dinner at his residence in honour of the Tourism Malaysia delegation together with other invited guests from Tourism Authorities and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Zimbabwe as well as local travel agents.

The Malaysian booth was considered as one of the most frequent visited booths during the exhibition as visitors were excited about the latest updates on tourism products that Malaysia was offering including the high quality promotional materials provided by Tourism Malaysia.  On average a total of 350 visitors visited the booth to enquire on latest tourism products in Malaysia including the offer on Christmas package tour, education opportunities in Malaysia etc.  Based on the observation and interests shown by the buyers during the exhibition, Malaysia could expect more Zimbabwean to visit Malaysia in near future.  In addition, a direct flight of Air Zimbabwe to Malaysia which offers a reasonable return ticket makes the package to Malaysia more attractive.  Overall, the 2010 Expo attracted 500 exhibitors including 290 international buyers.

The package offer on Christmas Holiday in Malaysia by Tourism Malaysia was a big hit during the Expo.  Even the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry of Zimbabwe, Eng. Walter Muzembi who visited Malaysia's booth, had booked one Christmas package to Malaysia in December 2010.  He was excited about spending Christmas Holiday in Malaysia with his family.

The Embassy very much welcomed the visit by Tourism Malaysia office in Johannesburg to Harare to assist in rejuvenating tourism cooperation between Malaysia and Zimbabwe.  Tourism industry in Zimbabwe is currently considered as the major economic driver to help push economic recovery for the country.  The industry is expected to grow by 9% in 2010 and would contribute at least 25% to the GDP of the country by 2015.