Emmanuel Fundira, president of the Zimbabwe Council of Tourism, said at an investment conference in neighboring South Africa that a unity government formed in February has brought political and economic stability. But full recovery is very much linked to the success of the new government, which many fear is on the brink of collapse.
Zimbabwe has a wealth of minerals and natural attractions and was once the region's breadbasket. Many blame its economic meltdown on President Robert Mugabe's land policy under which thousands of white-owned commercial farms were seized in 2000. Mugabe, in power since independence from Britain in 1980, also is accused of undermining democracy.
Mugabe was forced into the coalition with longtime opposition leader Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai after elections last year that were inconclusive and marred by violence blamed on Mugabe's supporters.
Tourism received a boost when a number of Western countries lifted warnings against traveling to Zimbabwe after the unity government was formed. Zimbabwe is also hoping to benefit from the football World Cup to be held next year in neighboring South Africa.
Fundira said 362,000 people had visited the country by August compared to 100,000 visitors the year before.
A decade ago, Zimbabwe earned $250 million in revenue from tourism, Fundira said. This dropped to $40 million in 2005 but has risen to $100 million since the unity government was formed.
"The economy has got so much potential but political stability is extremely key," Fundira said.
* AP
