Tourism and disability in Zimbabwe : a case of the Victoria Falls by Obadiah Moyo, National Council of Disabled Persons of Zimbabwe, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Situation In August 24 – 29, 2013 Zimbabwe co-hosted the United Nations World Tourism Organisation General Assembly at the Victoria Falls. This brought together a number of stakeholders, including governments and corporations. However, persons with disabilities were left out from active participation at this Assembly. Victoria Falls being one of the seven wonders of the world, is an attractive destination for both domestic and international tourism. This research was commissioned to highlight the potential of inclusive tourism for the benefit of the local and international market. It also brings out the importance of bringing in persons with disabilities as important players in this sector. Methodology This research used both qualitative and quantitative methods to collect data. Key informant interviews were carried out with travel agents, tourist operators & guides operating in Victoria Falls. Fifty questionnaires were administered to persons with disabilities throughout the country, including Victoria Falls. This instrument sought to investigate perceptions on tourism and also rate services in relation to accessibility to those who had visited a tourist site. Persons with disabilities, both female and male, who participated in the study were randomly selected. Results The findings revealed that persons with disabilities were less involved in marketing, promotion and participation within the tourism sector at the Victoria Falls. Among those interviewed only 5% had visited the Victoria Falls, 30% indicated that they had visited other tourist places in Zimbabwe. The low levels were attributed to the lack of accessible means of transportation hence the preference to visit local places within ones closest location. With regards to marketing, the study found that persons with disabilities were not targeted by the different marketing packages. None of the tourist agent offered pamphlets written in Braille or audio versions and sign language. Zimbabwe is on a campaign to market its tourist destinations via adverts especially on television; however these do not provide sign language. The staff had no appropriate training and technical expertise to provide assistance and services for clients with various forms of disabilities. Some tourist service providers at the Victoria Falls provide wheelchairs at a cost and some for free to their clients. Conclusion There is need for government policy and commitment on accessible tourism through creation of adequate infrastructure, transportation and encouraging inclusive participation.

1. Tourism and disability in Zimbabwe : a case of the Victoria Falls
Obadiah Moyo, National Council of Disabled Persons of Zimbabwe, Bulawayo,
Zimbabwe
Situation
In August 24 – 29, 2013 Zimbabwe co-hosted the United Nations World Tourism
Organisation General Assembly at the Victoria Falls. This brought together a number
of stakeholders, including governments and corporations. However, persons with
disabilities were left out from active participation at this Assembly.
Victoria Falls being one of the seven wonders of the world, is an attractive destination
for both domestic and international tourism.
This research was commissioned to highlight the potential of inclusive tourism for the
benefit of the local and international market. It also brings out the importance of
bringing in persons with disabilities as important players in this sector.
Methodology
This research used both qualitative and quantitative methods to collect data.
Key informant interviews were carried out with travel agents, tourist operators &
guides operating in Victoria Falls.
Fifty questionnaires were administered to persons with disabilities throughout the
country, including Victoria Falls.

2. This instrument sought to investigate perceptions on tourism and also rate services in
relation to accessibility to those who had visited a tourist site. Persons with
disabilities, both female and male, who participated in the study were randomly
selected.
Results
The findings revealed that persons with disabilities were less involved in marketing,
promotion and participation within the tourism sector at the Victoria Falls. Among
those interviewed only 5% had visited the Victoria Falls, 30% indicated that they had
visited other tourist places in Zimbabwe. The low levels were attributed to the lack of
accessible means of transportation hence the preference to visit local places within
ones closest location.
With regards to marketing, the study found that persons with disabilities were not
targeted by the different marketing packages. None of the tourist agent offered
pamphlets written in Braille or audio versions and sign language. Zimbabwe is on a
campaign to market its tourist destinations via adverts especially on television;
however these do not provide sign language.
The staff had no appropriate training and technical expertise to provide assistance
and services for clients with various forms of disabilities.
Some tourist service providers at the Victoria Falls provide wheelchairs at a cost and
some for free to their clients.
Conclusion
There is need for government policy and commitment on accessible tourism through
creation of adequate infrastructure, transportation and encouraging inclusive
participation.