Online Reporter
Michael Tome
Business Reporter
GOVERNMENT has lauded the sustained expansion of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism in the country, noting that growing investment in conferencing facilities in the outlying areas enhances local tourism offerings and accelerates economic development.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda made the remarks at a media familiarisation tour of Gohori Resort and Conference Centre in Mutoko recently, describing the privately funded investment as a testament to the growing role of rural tourism.
MICE tourism, which encompasses business meetings, conferences, exhibitions and incentive travel, has become one of the tourism industry’s lucrative segments due to its ability to attract more visitors and stimulate investment across the hospitality value chain.
The continued expansion of conference infrastructure in rural Zimbabwe is expected to diversify the country’s tourism product and enhance tourism’s contribution to economic growth and employment.
Speaking during the tour, Minister Soda said the development of modern conferencing infrastructure outside traditional tourism centres demonstrates the success of Government policies aimed at promoting inclusive and balanced economic growth.
Minister Soda said innovative private sector investments were transforming rural communities into attractive tourism destinations capable of drawing local, regional and international visitors.
He added that the project embodies the Government’s commitment to ensuring that “no one and no place is left behind” by bringing high-quality tourism infrastructure to rural districts.
“Traditionally, Mutoko was not known for tourism facilities like the one that we have just visited, seen and experienced here. These are good facilities we are seeing here in Mutoko; it is something that used to be found in urban setups alone and big tourist resorts like Victoria Falls.
“This is a feeder into the Vision 2030 and aspirations of NDS 2 where the President is encouraging the private sector to lead in ensuring that these visions are realised and that is exactly what we have seen here.
“It will assist in growing the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of Mutoko as a district and Mashonaland East province. I commend the development that has been made here,” said Minister Soda.
He noted that the resort has created employment for more than 50 people while generating new business opportunities for local communities through tourism-related activities and supply chains.
Situated approximately 140 kilometres from Harare, Gohori Resort has positioned itself as an emerging business tourism destination by combining modern conference facilities with cultural, heritage and adventure tourism experiences.
The resort is situated within touching distance of attractions such as the Mutoko Ruins, Mount Mutemwa, John Bradburne Cross pilgrimage site.
The area also provides further amusement and leisure activities like quad biking, mountain climbing and outdoor networking experiences, allowing conference delegates to combine business with leisure.
Founder and chief executive of Gohori Resort and Conference Centre, Dr Bernard Kasekete, said demand for the resort’s conference facilities had surpassed expectations, highlighting the growing potential of rural MICE tourism.
“We are receiving overwhelming enquiries and we are almost fully booked for conferences this year. Our Ngahwe Conference House has become one of the most sought-after venues because it features state-of-the-art LED screens and high-speed internet connectivity,” he said.
He added that his entity was in the process of developing a larger conference centre with capacity for between 600 and 1 000 delegates as part of Gohori’s expansion strategy to meet the growing demand for meetings, conferences and events.
The new facility is expected to significantly increase the hosting capacity and offer modern amenities designed to accommodate large-scale corporate conferences, exhibitions, business forums and social events.
“We are in the process of building a bigger conference facility, which might be operational by year-end,” he said.
Gohori has 30 luxury guest rooms and has a main conference room (Ngahwe Conference) which accommodates between 200 and 300 delegates.
Dr Kasekete said the resort will continue to anchor its growth strategy on the MICE market, positioning Mutoko as a competitive destination for conferences, corporate events and business tourism.
