As you know, Zimabwe is still ruled by the disastrous Robert Mugabe (though the power is shared with Morgan Tsvangirai). And whatever you think about Mugabe, there is no doubt that he has driven this beautiful country into a deep dark hole.
So my question to you is:
Would you travel to Zimbabwe at this time?
Do you think travel to Zimbabwe will support the people or Mugabe’s government?
Do you think it is safe?
Share your opinions below (no registration required)!
Here is my personal opinion:
I think it is important that people travel to Zimbabwe. It is a good way to bring foreign currency into their economy, something they really need! Especially now that they have changed to USD and ZAR.
By traveling the right way I think you can ensure that most of your spendings will benefit the local people rather than the ugly government. However, I have hope that with the shared power and a good minister of finance the government will use their income in a more rational way than the past 10 years.
As for the safety of travelers, I honestly don’t know much. Anyone?
On my own: “no”. For safety reasons.
Political reasons: Certain countries should be boycotted until they commit themselves to serious change. South Africa has been a poor example already, and has indirectly supported Zim too much. People need to be clear about what is acceptable or not.
But I do think that travel to Zimbabwe will provide the population with a much needed income. I think travel is better than aid or donations given the political climate.
Mugabe is a devil!
I agree that we have to be clear about our opinion. And in many ways i agree with boycotts. But travel is a good way to bring money to the grassroots. Especially compared to other industries, like diamonds, etc.
i would if i wasnt broke and unemployed.
its the worst time ever to travel there now. You cant do anything there.
Wait ten years and hope it will improve!
It might not be the easiest time to travel there, but maybe it is the most important time?
zim is too corrupt to reap any benefits from travel. travel to south africa or namibia instead.
I would not travel there. All fees paid to various ministries only prop up Mugabe. The amount of corruption in the country means that tourists aid government officials more then they aid locals. With inflation a key issue, corruption becomes rampant in the quest for foreign money. I agree with others that South Africa is a better option for tourism, and perhaps more ethical in the long run.
I actually really value your opinion, Jesse. I have frequently visit your blog, and you have some very good, informative and intelligent posts.
However, I am afraid you overlook the fact that the “small” people in Zimbabwe really need US dollars or S-A Rands. And by traveling there with a conscious mind, spending money at the right places, I think your trip can be more important for people’s life than anywhere else. On the other hand, I have complete understanding for your concerns. There was a notice in Newsweek (it’s unfortunately not online) this week about how the diamond industry in Zimbabwe is fuelling violence and corruption. And I would never support that industry, which also makes me consider the gains of the tourism industry.
I guess what I mean is that travel to Zimbabwe can have far reaching consequences in several directions. The way you travel will determine if they are good or bad.
for a fact the people of zimbabwe wants you to travel there. its easy to sit on the outside and say what to do, but the people there have no choice. Thats where they live and thats where they make their income. They are awesome folks that would love to be your host!
CNN: Who is Mugabe?
This is a good article and warm up for Thursdays scheduled interview with Mugabe on CNN:
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/09/24/zimbabwe.mugabe.profile/index.html
As someone who is from Zimbabwe and has lived there for over 10 years. This is the time to be travelling to Zimbabwe. As for safety…you have nothing to worry about. As a young female, I have no worries walking the streets at any time of the day. The place you should be afraid of is South Africa, where innocent people get shot, stabbed and raped when they are walking down the street.
Zimbabwean people are honest and hard working. We do not have time for crime, unlike our South African neighbours!
So if you have the money, I highly recommend taking a trip to Zimbabwe and experience all the beauty it has to offer.
and to the guy who said we are too corrupt to reap the benefits of tourism…who do you think is the backbone of the hospitality industry in South Africa….zimbabwean men and woman who bartend, waiter and clean hotel rooms for menial pay!
Will Tsvangirai win the Nobel Peace Prize?
Personally I hope so!
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/10/08/world/worldwatch/entry5372326.shtml
[...] your business! For more information and opinions about this you can check out the discussion “Would you travel to Zimbabwe at this time?” and the US guidelines for travel to Zimbabwe which “urges U.S. citizens to defer all [...]
I have a real problem with supporting Mugabe in any way. that said, I’ve been into Zim twice…. both times to Vic Falls area. a) The site is spectacular. b) I saw lots of game on the drive from Kasane. c) on a individual level, the people are great. I especially liked the school kids, and tell myself that they are the future. d) the economy is a disaster, I even saw police cars abandoned with no wheels. e) the street peddlers near Vic Falls are overwhelming, but since they are near starving, I tried to be patient.
I have heard they have some great game reserves. I look forward to extended stays in Zim, but not until Mugabe is gone and a leadership is in that has good relations with S. Africa, Botswana and Zambia.
BTW, the roads from Nata to Kasane have been virtually destroyed by trucks headed north and south that used to pass through Zimbabwe but now avoid driving through that country. That should be a hint to many of us.
Yes, Zimbabwe facing lots of problem. The situation in Zimbabwe is very terrible indeed. The Zimbabweans are leaving their country in their billions and migrating to neighboring countries like SA, Botswana. so how it is possible to go there.