ZIMBABWE Tourism Authority’s (ZTA) acting chief executive, Rita Likukuma has urged the business sector to seriously consider extending offering travel incentives in a bid to intensify business growth in the country.
The tourism boss made the remarks Wednesday at a function organised by the Marketers Association of Zimbabwe (MAZ) on the sidelines of the ongoing Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo.
“Incentive Travel is a proven experience and a highly attractive reward that companies can rely on to encourage employees or partners to boost sales and drive targets. Incentive travel is the reward element of an incentive, recognition, or loyalty program, which takes the form of an all-expenses paid trip with a program of scheduled events and activities.
“The benefits of embracing incentive travel reinforce company brand and value, save costs with group travel economies of scale, employee engagement, motivating and inspiring staff and achieve business goals and is targeted at sales personnel, marketing personnel, business community and customers,” said Likukuma.
She said incentive travel is an economic driver that creates employment, motivates domestic tourism, increases productivity, stimulates the economy and boosts the local economy.
MAZ Secretary General, Gillian Rusike said his organisation is excited about the corporate incentive travel product.
“As MAZ, we are in support of such an incentive, marketers must be recognised for their work well – done ZTA, and what better way to do this besides rewarding staff with a travel. I encourage all Senior Marketing Executives to introduce such initiatives within their corporates,” said Rusike.
Rusike added that MAZ was excited about the ZTA partnership.
“We are proud to announce that at the Marketers Annual Convention 2019. ZTA will be sponsoring the individual prize winners of the Exceptional Marketing Awards. The winners will get Accommodation Vouchers to stay in one of the incentive Travel Venues,” added Rusike.
Sharon Stead the Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe Matebeleland Representative also welcomed the initiative and challenged ZTA to keep exploring ways to promote tourism in the country.
