Victoria Falls International Airport has become the first aviation facility in the country and region to have braille signage for ease of access by visually impaired travellers.
The initiative is the brainchild of Mobi Tech Smith and has been called braille tourism, inclusive tourism in Zimbabwe as it seeks to ensure that all persons with disabilities get equal access and services from tourism products and services.
Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Nqobizitha Ndlovu officially launched the facility at the airport on Friday.
Mobi Tech Smith Zimbabwe first installed braille material at Lookout Café early this year and has now expanded it to the airport and Rainforest, making Victoria Falls the first tourism destination in
Africa to have braille inscribed sign posts at its facilities.
Minister Ndlovu said this is a milestone for tourism recovery and transformation as Braille for Tourism is one of the first products for all-inclusive tourism offering people with disabilities a chance to
experience different tourism sites and attractions in Zimbabwe.
“We’re gathered here today to launch the first phase of a key novel project called The Braille Tourism, Inclusive Tourism product in Zimbabwe. We are launching this project in Victoria Falls because it is our prime tourist resort. Any actions we take here show our clear intent and commitment to what we believe as a government,” he said.
He said Braille for Tourism, is a means through which the government seeks to afford all citizens equal opportunities to the top-class services that include the tourism sector.
He commended the partnerships on tourism products and services in Victoria Falls between the government and the private sector, saying this is always outstanding.
“Allow me to acknowledge Mobi Tech Smith Zimbabwe, through its partnership with the Braille for Africa who are leading in this novel approach to our tourism,” he said.
Mobi Tech partnered with the Airports Company of Zimbabwe, Zimparks, the Ministry of Transport and the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe.
“The visually impaired deserve a chance to access our facilities and we are committed, as a government, that they will also have every opportunity that any citizen receives, including participating in
economic activities in the tourism sector,” said Ndlovu.
Braille signposts have been installed at a strategic point at the airport and in the Rainforest for visually impaired people to read and get informed.
Persons with disabilities constitute at least 10 percent of the population.
Mobi Tech director Enock Mawema said the idea is to make Victoria Falls an inclusive city.
“The pilot project was launched with Wild Horizon and we are looking at making the whole country and at no point should any person with a disability be left out,” he said.
