The head of the visiting French Opinion Leaders delegation Michel Lo said on Saturday Zimbabwe has the potential of having a vibrant tourism industry in southern Africa as it has a number of tourist attractions.

The remark was made by Lo after his meeting with Environment and Tourism minister Francis Nhema. Lo said Zimbabwe has the potential of becoming a major tourist hub in the southern African region but needs to pursue an aggressive and flexible marketing strategy that appeals to a wider society.

He also said the country has a number of tourist attractions which if properly marketed could see an increase in the tourist arrivals.

Nhema said the visit by the French Opinion Leaders is welcome as it enables them to have a clear understanding of the situation in the country thereby making informed opinions of the country.

Nhema said his ministry is presently working with other stakeholders in the tourism industry aimed at finding ways of marketing the country's tourist attractions.

Negative publicity by the western media, lack of comprehensive marketing campaigns and inadequate financial resources has been cited as the major hindrances impacting on the performance of the sector.

The French Opinion Leaders are in the country for a ten day familiarization tour and are expected to visit the country's major tourist attractions.

Source: Xinhua