Zimbabwe’s government is working to address the issue of Iata’s repatriation debt. The government has set up ‘Team Tourism’, a collaborative group led by Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Prisca Mupfumira.
Team Tourism has met with the Finance Ministry and Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), Dr John Mangudya. Also present at the meeting were airline representatives and Winnie Muchanyuka, President of the Board of Airline Representatives.
Following the meeting, Muchanyuka said: “We negotiated and came to an agreement on a payment plan. Airlines welcome the move as this will allay any fears from us as airline operators.” She went on to say that the payment plan, once rolled out, would help ensure that airlines could provide adequate services without any obstacles.
According to The Herald, the Ministry of Finance has pledged to pay US$4 million a month, through the RBZ, toward the US$150 million debt.
Other industry stakeholders welcomed the move. Emmanuel Fundira, Chairman of the Safari Operators’ Association of Zimbabwe said: “It is a step in the right direction for the tourism sector. We would like to applaud government for a swift and quick response to the matter.”
