THE ninth edition of Routes Africa forum ended in the resort town of Victoria Falls yesterday amid indications of increased business opportunities for the tourism and aviation industry. NOKUTHABA DLAMINI OWN CORRESPONDENT
The forum attracted over 350 delegates. Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (Caaz) chief executive David Chawota said the country had the capacity to handle more airlines.
“We have the capacity to handle many airlines in the country. We used to handle more than 40 and we have improved our capacity and we now have modern facilities,” he said.
Chawota said the forum was a marketing opportunity for the country. “It is important for them to be here and see for themselves what is on the ground. We have brought them and they have seen progress; for example, the expansion project at Victoria Falls International Airport which will be operational from June next year.”
Chawota said the forum was meant to improve connectivity adding that as Caaz, they were working on ensuring that aviation facilities were in place.
“Airlines fly their routes and we make sure that the facilities are made available for them to expand their routes.”
Zimbabwe has already upgraded the Harare and Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo international airports to match modern standards.
The country’s aviation industry requires between $400 and $500 million in capital to ensure a vibrant and viable hub for air transportation.
