Fifteen European journalists, who are in the country on a weeklong familiarisation tour, are expected to help Zimbabwe tap into the lucrative European markets.
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority's marketing and communications director, Mr Givemore Chidzidzi, said recently the hosting of the journalists from one of Zimbabwe's leading tourist markets was part of the authority's perception management initiative.
Africa 2007
"We expect to get more from the visit of the journalists who are drawn from Germany, Italy and Austria," said Mr Chidzidzi.
Zimbabwe has also hosted scribes and opinion leaders from the United Kingdom, France, Malaysia, China and Singapore.
Bianchin Marco, an Italian freelance journalist who is part of the 15-member group, says he intends to publish various articles on Zimbabwe in different magazines in his country.
The group is touring the country's traditional destinations, including the Victoria Falls, Hwange, Matopos and Lake Chivero.
A number of tourists from Europe -- notably France and Germany -- have shown great interest in Zimbabwe with most regarding the country as a beautiful and peaceful nation contrary to some Western reports.
Last year Zimbabwe recorded a 100 percent increase in European arrivals, with France being a major contributor.Germany alone saw a 70 percent surge while American arrivals rose by 26 percent.
Since 2000, Zimbabwe has suffered a decline in tourist arrivals as a result of a hostile stance adopted by the Western media following the land reform programme.
At its peak in 1998, the tourism sector, which has a quick turnaround potential, accounted for eight percent of the country's gross domestic product and about 11 percent of the foreign currency earnings.
