Zim park fees halved for South Africans

THE Zimbabwean government has amended its park fees for citizens of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). In terms of the new arrangement, the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority has decided that proof of residence from these countries in the form of a passport or national identification document will ensure that clients from SADC countries pay 50% of what is paid by other international clients. This means SA residents shall pay US$10 instead of $20 which is the current prescribed fee for international clients. "This is good news and welcome consideration for our neighbours and key markets in the region, " said Ross Kennedy of Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. "Anything we can do as an industry to encourage and promote regional tourism is a plus, and together both private and public sectors must strive to enhance the appeal of our destination," he added. (Miguel de Sousa)