Emmerson Njanjamangezi, Group Features Editor 
RAINBOW Tourism Group (RTG) says the relaxation of the Covid-19 restrictions, which has brought tourism sector stability, is a positive development providing green shoots and increased activity for the group.
In a trading update for the period ended September 30, 2021, the group said it had narrowed its focus to exploit emerging revenue opportunities to augment its earnings.
“The group remains optimistic about the prospects of the tourism industry in the short to medium term. The stability in the operating environment is a positive development that will translate into increased activities. The performance, post the relaxation of the lockdown measures has positioned the group onto a recovery trajectory.
“International airlines such as British Airways have resumed flights into Victoria Falls, with Qatar Airways coming into Harare for the first time. These developments should see growth in activity in the Victoria Falls destination,” RTG said.
During the period under review, the group reported a slight increase in volumes compared to the prior update, as hotel occupancies closed at 24 percent, up from 23 percent.
RTG said the tightened level four lockdown restrictions in July and August affected business operations during the third quarter after the government banned intercity travel and public gatherings as a way of containing the spread of the pandemic.
However, the situation improved in the quarter under review, which experienced better business volumes, due to the near-to-normal trading conditions under level 2 lockdown.
On the outlook, RTG said it does not anticipate any further Covid-19 induced disruptions this year.
“We believe that with just one-and-a-half months to year-end … the group’s performance is now predictable, and we can forecast till the end of the year.
“We are confident that the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and concomitant lockdown during the remaining part of the year will not have a material negative impact on the group’s financial performance for the year ending December 31, 2021,” RTG added.
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