Boom times roll back after pandemic move

BY SHAME MAKOSHORI
ONE of Zimbabwe’s biggest leisure chains projected on Wednesday that a big bounce back could be on the horizon, sweeping through the industry as early as April, following last week’s move by government to lift pandemic-induced tough restrictions.

Until now, Zimbabwe’s under fire tourism industry had predicted a long phase of depression before recovery returned during the tail end of winter, when COVID-19 waves temporarily fizzle out.

Africa Albida Tourism (AAT), which presides over a string of top-end hospitality gems including the world acclaimed Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, said relaxed COVID-19 restrictions announced on Friday came as global airlines trooped back following a frustrating two years characterised by hard lockdowns.

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