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Zimbabwe's tourist arrivals are expected to grow by 23 percent next year, with more numbers coming from Asia and the Middle East, the official The Chronicle reported on Monday.

 

Announcing the 2007 National Budget, Finance Minister Herbert Murerwa said the increase would be a culmination of marketing and promotional initiatives in that part of the world.

 

Vigorous marketing and promotional initiatives in Asia and the Middle East markets are starting to pay dividends as reflected by the increase in tourist arrivals from these regions, he said.

 

Murerwa said growth of regional and domestic tourism markets had also supported the recovery of the tourism industry.

 

In response to these marketing efforts, tourist arrivals during the period to September 2006, grew by 45 percent to 1,596,489 over the same period in 2005, he said.

 

The positive outturn to September 2006 reflects a 52 percent growth in tourist arrivals from African countries, mostly Southern Africa.

 

As the tourism sector recovers, there is need to plug all leakages of foreign exchange earnings.

 

The tourism sector, which is suffering as a result of erratic fuel supplies, has been identified under the National Economic and Development Priority Programme (NEDPP) as one of the industries with a quick turnaround potential.

 

In support, the government is upgrading and improving key infrastructure facilities such as airports and dryland border posts, among others, said Murerwa.

 

Furthermore, the government is supporting initiatives by the tourism industry for the rehabilitation of facilities, as well as ensuring sustainable energy supplies.   

 

(Xinhua News Agency December 5, 2006)