An assessment of Covid-19 coping mechanisms for Safari Operations in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Tourism in Zimbabwe is synonymous with the wildlife safari. However, tourism is being put at stake by the recurrent outbreaks of pandemic diseases, including the novel Covid-19 which has brought most world economies to a standstill, safari operations not spared. Empirical studies on the impact of pandemics on wildlife tourism are widely missing in literature. Therefore, this study sought to assess the Covid-19 coping mechanisms and mitigation strategies adopted by safari operations in Zimbabwe. The study adopted a qualitative research methodology through the use of structured interviews and semi structured questionnaires. A thematic approach was used to analyse the data. The findings indicate the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in no-shows by tourists, taking with them the money that safari operators, parks and host communities rely on. The absence of foreign visitors and revenue streams weakened security systems and increased the risk of poaching as there was no funding to pay private security guards. Findings also indicate that the Zimbabwean Safari industry’s capacity and resilience to deal with the crisis is currently low. Through the haze of the struggle and income loss, safari operators see an opportunity to rebuild the status quo into something far more self-sustaining, resilient and equitable. The study recommended fiscal and monetary support for the sector to ensure its survival prospects. Safari operators were encouraged to abandon their traditional funding approaches of being small scale, self funded and specialized industry and start seeking funds on the capital markets. Growth prospects though vertical or lateral integration can also be a good move so as to share costs and join forces in grabbing opportunities.