We've heard this before... but they're saying it again. According to International Living Magazine's 2011 Quality of Life Index, published this January, Zimbabwe ties with the Mediterranean island of Malta for having the best climate on Earth!
And here's the proof! This happy picture, taken by Melissa Wynn, of her family in the swimming pool on a summer houseboat holiday on Lake Kariba, captures one aspect of Zimbabwe's fabulous climate and the incredible holiday experiences you can have in it.
Climate is one of nine categories that go into calculating the countries with the best quality of life in this yearly index. Zimbabwe scored 100% on climate, 75% on leisure and culture and 67% on cost of living. The crime rate in Zimbabwe was ranked as very low. The country, however, did not do as well on the economy, politics and infrastructure. "Despite a near perfect climate, you won't find many expats in Zimbabwe. Runaway inflation and political unrest aren't great attractions" read the statement from the magazine.
The news will be welcomed by Zimbabwe's Ministry of Tourism which has been fighting hard to attract visitors to Zimbabwe. Latest figures show a surge in tourism earnings from US$560 million in 2009 to US$770 million in 2010, which puts the sector on a par with mining.
The UK Telegraph reported recently "Slowly but surely, British tour operators, safaris specialists and travel agents are beginning to re-engage with Zimbabwe."