I received the below notice today

I pondered posting it under Saeed's "More Bad News'posting, but felt it warranted further discussions.

It might be time to add another forum topic column "Zimbabwe problems" since "more bad news" seems to come as quickly as their currency devalued right to the end. (Now Dollars and Euros are flowing directly into his pockets!)

BR; Mike O


Dear Hunting Friends,

Zimbabwe is still keeping on and the season has been reasonable considering the effect of the Global Recession on clients’ ability to fund an African Hunting Trip. However, we hear that there are definite signs of the recession turning around, so by the start of the hunting season 2010 we expect that many of our regular clients who may have skipped 2009, will be back again. Whatever happens, we shall still be here anyway!

I have to advise that there has now been a 2% levy added to the cost by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (quasi-government). This will now mean that there will be a 2% levy on both the Daily Rate and the Trophies you take. Previously it was only on the Daily Rate.

The 2% charge on Trophy fees charged by National Parks for the export documents still stands and is separate to that charged by ZTA.

We wanted to advise you of this so that you will not think it is the Operator who is raising his cost. These are government body levies.

Best wishes, and hope you were able to get some hunting somewhere this year.

We look forward to seeing you next year again.

Yours sincerely
Sally Bown
Admin. Officer
SOAZ/ZPHGA

This was sent to me from HHK Safaris, 4% on trophy fees, 2% on daily fees.


Sent: Friday, September 04, 2009 10:06 AM
Subject: 2% Levy


Hello all agents,



A quick note of change to our invoicing…..



We have recently received notification that it was voted on and approved that all Safari Operators in Zimbabwe now have to pay an additional 2% levy on all trophy fees to the Zimbabwe Tourism Authorities in addition to the 2% we already pay to National Parks. Therefore, as of September 1, we will charge the clients a total of 4% levy on their trophy fees – 2% to National Parks and 2% to ZTA. The 2% levy on the Daily rates remains the same.

Old news. If hunting in Zim gives you heartburn, don't hunt Zim. But save the sanctimoneous preaching your title implies.

JPK

So, what part do you think is sanctimonious or more importantly untrue?

Gee an african country that raised its fees. Where have we seen that before!

quote:

Originally posted by Mike Smith:
So, what part do you think is sanctimonious or more importantly untrue?

Its true, that is why it is old news. Without a lot of time to respond on the sanctimonious issue, just read the topic name. About the only gov't function not already tits up is some areas of Parks management.

JPK

If nobody bitches, things will just get worse or at the very least, stay the same. Look at our present government. We are not far behind Zim...at least on the same path.

Madabula,
Keep up the good posting!