I am a 33-year-old man, working for a safari lodge in Victoria Falls, recently married, graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor of  Arts (Honors) in Tourism Management. Tourism is my business and what other place to visit in Zimbabwe than Victoria Falls which is by far one of the most beautiful places to be in the world!

COVID-19 has hit hard the hand that feeds me and my family. It has affected me greatly and now instead of being at work, I’m seated at home. The Tourism industry business has been crippled, with most international and domestic flights cancelled possibly for the rest of the year or at least until the situation resolves otherwise even if a cure is to be found sometime this year. In the meantime, many are jobless and have no earnings to sustain their families sitting on uncertainties, health-wise and career-wise.

What does the future hold for us in our sector? The spirit and experience of visiting places all over the world is shaken right at this moment by the presence of COVID-19 causing a big stir and making people fearful of even the thought of getting on a plane and visit our international tourist destination and wonder of the world in Africa. Recreation is an essential entity in our lives, it takes away the stressful and hectic workloads off our shoulders and helps bring families together to relax, share in their love and success.

Sadly, currently, I am locked out from my home in Victoria Falls as I am in Bulawayo, I had traveled for a funeral when lockdown in Zimbabwe came into effect and cannot return until the lockdown is lifted.