Zimbabwe: Tourists Return As Economy Recovers

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Zimbabwe's tourism chief says hotels have seen occupancy rates double in the past year as the country begins to enjoy the political and economic stability brought about by a unity government.

Emmanuel Fundira, president of the Zimbabwe Council of Tourism, says that since a new government was formed in February, hotels have been about 60 percent full compared to 30 percent last year.

The country is rich in wildlife and natural attractions but tourism has suffered because of the country's political and economic crises.

Investors at a conference in Johannesburg were told how Zimbabwe's battered economy is starting to show signs of growth. But full recovery is very much linked to the success of the new government, which many fear is on the brink of collapse.