The University of Zimbabwe (UZ) launched virtual tourism products during the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanai World Tourism Expo, this past week.
The virtual tourism products are aimed at bringing tourism resorts to the door steps of those who might feel left behind because of lack of funding to travel to tourism resort areas.
Speaking to the Harare Post during an interview at the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanai world tourism expo in Mutare, UZ Professor, Seke Katsamudanga, said the UZ showcased virtual tourism products to promote sustainability in the tourism industry.
“We have here a virtual tour for great Zimbabwe monument and the rock shelter, Pomongwe, located at Matopos National Park. What we are saying with these products is that people can travel to tourism destinations virtually,” said the Professor.
Katsamudanga also said there was need to reduce conservation costs of tourist destinations through virtual tourism.
“Conservation costs may be reduced if people travel to those destinations using virtual tourism platforms. This also caters for student trips as well as travellers who may have difficulties raising necessary funds to visit tourism destinations. Everyone can visit places of interest, we are developing access to those places using virtual tourism platforms. What we are show cased during the Travel Expo were products of Mystic Roam a UZ start-up company,” he said.
