Title:
QUALITATIVE IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF NATURAL DISASTERS ON TOURISM DESTINATIONS: CASE OF CYCLONE IDAI AND COVID-19 ON THE EASTERN HIGHLANDS OF ZIMBABWE

Authors:
Winnet Masikati and Rachiel Bhunu ,zimbabwe

Abstract:
This study was motivated by the observation that, after natural disasters have struck both human and tourist destinations, researchers and aid agendas focus on human beings and their domestic animals. Limited assessment of the impact of the disaster on the destination is done as a basis for recovery strategy data. The study was guided by a pragmatist philosophy to facilitate the collection of multi-variable data. Data collection was based on the Screven (1974) Goal-free model to enable researchers to identify changes attributed to the disaster (intended or unintended). God’s goals for the disaster are not known and researchers are external to the Eastern highlands tourist destinations. A sequence of desk research on the internet, newspapers and social media created the diving board. Field work visits to the Eastern highlands for observations and interviews was implemented to gather evidence. The study found that, communication by road was destroyed. Bridges were swept away and tarred roads demolished. Fish and all aquatic animals were relocated to other positions by the floods. Rivers got new shapes. Gorges and gullies emerged on the slopes of the mountains, which used to be covered by a green carpet of vegetation. Game fences, electricity pylons were destroyed. Trees were uprooted and rock boulders rolled down. Wild animals were crushed to death by the moving rocks or falling trees. Those wild animals surviving were maimed, moved to new locations or left disoriented by the shock, panic and trauma of the fateful night. Covid-19 regulations had nothing for wild animals although they are a tourist target at the Eastern highlands. Measures like the curfew and people working from home reduced game rangers’ patrols. They also increased poachers chances of harvesting the cyclone injured, maimed and ill animals. National measures against the spread of Covid 19 such as, “Prevent unprotected contact with farm and wild animals” were not implemented to save them from poachers. The study recommends recounting of game park animals. Most are not accounted for after the disaster. Full-time ecologists can be employed to reconstruct the wildlife, aquatic life and the natural habitats of Eastern highlands tourist destinations