adminAN increase in the number of influential and wealthy global figures, who are visiting our country either on vacation or business trips, is quite refreshing.
A month hardly passes without the country welcoming iconic figures.
This shows that Brand Zimbabwe is in good shape and those promoting it are doing a fine job.
Zimbabwe is fast establishing herself as the hub of African hospitality, judging by the iconic figures, who are coming to our country.
Last month, Scottish football ace and Aston Villa captain, John McGinn, visited the Victoria Falls along with his fiancée, Sara Stokes.
McGinn, who was hosted by fellow Zimbabwean teammate Marvelous Nakamba, enjoyed the country’s hospitality.
The celebrity couple has since endorsed Victoria Falls as a holiday resort of choice.
It’s encouraging to note that the couple’s visit was facilitated by a Zimbabwean influencer and philanthropist, Nakamba.
The football ace has vowed to use his influence to invite international celebrities to come and witness the hospitality of Zimbabwe.
Other top athletes and celebrities should learn one or two things from Nakamba, who really has his country at heart.
It’s good for our nation and our economy when we get tourists coming here.
God blessed us with some of the best tourist attractions in the world, including the Victoria Falls, which is ranked as one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Last week, British billionaire business tycoon Richard Branson was in the country for a private visit.
He chose to fly budget airline Fastjet, showing his humility, despite a net worth of US$3.6 billion.
The billionaire businessman, who founded the Virgin Group of companies in the’70s, is one of the most powerful business leaders in the world today.
Such high profile business executives hardly make such trips without being charmed by the hospitality of the country they are visiting and the huge economic prospects.
American iconic boxer, Floyd Mayweather, who arrived in Harare last night on the first leg of his Motherland Tour, is another game-changer hard to ignore.
Mayweather’s visit, which has been facilitated by Better Brands under the leadership of businessman Scott Sakupwanya, is also a victory to the tourism sector and sporting fraternity.
This endorsement comes at a time when the spirit of reengagement is bearing fruits while the drive to boost our tourism sector is gathering momentum.
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, along with other players in the tourism sector, needs to partner individuals of Scott’s caliber, who are doing their best to market the country’s international brand.
Such high-profile visits give us confidence as a nation that we are doing something right in promoting Brand Zimbabwe.
With the help and cooperation of other stakeholders, we can market our brand beyond our borders with ease.
There is no doubt that, despite all the negativity that has been thrown at us over the years, we remain a beautiful country which the world simply can’t resist.
The challenge for us is to keep spreading the message that there are amazing opportunities in Zimbabwe.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter