| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 24/07/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 19 |
| Copyright: Other |
Political upheaval hits Cox and Kings’ sales to southern Africa
THE political turmoil in Zimbabwe is hitting sales across southern Africa as the Foreign Office continues to advise against travel to the former colony.Launching its 2001 Africa and Indian Ocean brochure, upmarket operator Cox and Kings said people are delaying travelling to the region until Zimbabwe is deemed safe.
Agency sales manager Natasha Gubbay said: “Growth is good although the troubles have affected numbers travelling to Southern Africa. Some holidaymakers wanting to experience Southern Africa and take a trip to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe are waiting until events calm down.”
Although the operator has featured Zimbabwe in its new brochure, bookings are not being taken. “No-one wants to go at the moment. We are hoping that by September, the situation would have improved,” said Gubbay.
New to the programme are tours and safaris in Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi and Madagascar.
An eight-day Splendours of Tanzania safari visiting Tanzania, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater costs £2,325 per person.
The brochure has been split into three sections – escorted journeys, individual journeys and Indian Ocean.
Also new is a hotel portfolio which features properties offering tailor-made packages. Gubbay said growth of 30%-40% was being targeted for next year but she refused to reveal passenger numbers.
Southern African sales have been affected by recent troubles in the region