In an effort to keep our valued clients updated on the situation in Victoria Falls, here is an e-mail received from Ross Kennedy in Victoria Falls, giving us an update of the situation on the ground. Rhino Africa continues to support this magical destination, and as re-iterated by Ross’s comments; your tourism dollar in Vic Falls is much appreciated, particularly during these difficult times.
For more in formation on booking your holiday to Victoria Falls, contact us, or visit the Victoria Falls section on the Rhino Africa website.
“I am pleased to report that it is business as usual at Victoria Falls, which remains largely unaffected by the recent wave of press exposure on the country. The cause of the heightened exposure was a forced prices cut implemented nationally on 18th June. Interestingly Victoria Falls arrivals in July were 32% up on July 2006 and August continued the trend with a 26% increase over August 2006. In fact total occupancies in August were the highest of any other month for 5 ½ years.
The 25% year to date increase in arrivals account for about 40,000 more arrivals to the destination. Multiple press and trade reports continue to highlight that the tourism industry is increasingly separating Victoria Falls from the national difficulties and viewing it as a microcosm of its own.
Although times are very tough for everyone economically, the industry is still able to use its foreign currency earnings for procurement of fuel, food and beverages and the shortages publicized are not generally applicable in Victoria Falls. In addition supplies if needed are readily accessible across the neighbouring borders of Zambia and Botswana.
Victoria Falls continues to remain one of the safest places on the planet and whilst we understand that some clients have a moral dilemma, the counter argument is that their tourism dollar helps relieve some of the difficulties of daily living for the +/- 40,000 people employed directly and downstream through tourism.
Victoria Falls remains open for business and we continue to assure you that we will be the first to inform you if we believe that conditions are not suitable for travel.”
Happy Traveling,
The Rhino Team