British Airways will resume flights to Zimbabwe early next year following a two-year absence in a move expected to improve tourist arrivals into the country.

Air passengers in East Africa will each be levied $0.7 (Sh52) to support the Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA) if the proposal is approved by ministers of Finance.

The Acting Executive Director of Central Regional Development Commission (CEDCOM), Mr. Spencer Taylor has stated categorically that his outfit was gearing up to promote first class tourism in the region, as one of the tools to reduce poverty.