THE recent refurbishment of Vumba Road, which is the gateway to Vumba tourism resorts, is bearing fruit as evidenced by the marked improvement of tourists who visit the area, The Standard Style has learnt.
BY KENNETH NYANGANI IN MUTARE
The poor state of the road in recent years had made it impassable, a situation that had a negative bearing on the tourist business in Vumba, which is regarded as one of the country’s biggest tourism spots.
Frank Marembo, who manages White Horse Inn, one of the most popular hotels in Vumba, told The Standard Style that tourism players in the area had benefited from the road rehabilitation programme.
He said White Horse Inn had upped its standards by offering packages that supported the natural beauty of the eastern highlands.
“l am happy with the roads that were recently rehabilitated because they were a stumbling block for the tourism players in Vumba. We have of late recorded an increase in tourists since the roads were rehabilitated,” Marembo said.
“At White Horse Inn, we have responded and come up with innovative strategies in order to improve our business. We have been sprucing up the hotel so that it meets international standards.
“There are also additional packages that include hiking, funfares, horse-riding and walking competitions that complement the accommodation.”
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Marembo said the Eastern Highlands were endowed with all kinds of flora and fauna, hence the hotel’s decision to come with innovative ways.
“Apart from conferencing and accommodation, we also have packages where we take advantage of the flora and fauna around the hotel,” he said.
White Horse Inn has a conference room that accommodates 55 people.
Another tourism player, William Chatigu of Kwayedza Guest House, echoed the same sentiments, saying rehabilitation of the roads leading to the tourist resort was a major boost for the industry.
“The roads were in a sorry state, but thank God, they are in a better shape now although I believe more can be done to improve the road network in the Eastern Highlands,” he said.
“It’s true we have been losing business because of the poor roads. There is the Samango monkey this side, which is one of the rare species on the continent and tourists would like to visit the place and watch these animals,” he said.
“There are rare natural streams in Vumba as well as magnificent footpaths which one cannot afford to miss in their lifetime.”
The Eastern Highlands is renowned for hiking and walking competitions which have attracted tourism.
Other players who have applauded the new roads are Foresty Hills and Leopard Rock, among others.
