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Lovemore Zigara Midlands Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) says the Midlands capital, Gweru, qualifies to host big conferences as part of boosting tourism given its central location in the country.
ZTA chief operating officer Givemore Chidzidzi told Business Chronicle that tourism players could set up mega infrastructure such as hotels in Gweru for them to tap into such markets.
He said the Midlands has a distinct advantage in that it is the hub of mining in the country hence it could also utilise that position to attract conference tourism.
“There’s need for tourism players to tap in the potential that Gweru has in terms of attracting tourists. The Midlands capital is strategically located in the sense that it’s central,” he said.
“The centrality means that it’s a transit town and tourism players should devise means to tap into this.
“The province can also tap into the mining and agricultural potential in the province to make the city a centre for conferencing since most of the major mines are located in the province.”
Chidzidzi said the setting up of ZTA offices in Gweru two years ago was meant to assist hospitality industry players in facilitating tourism activities.
He said the move has started yielding results with more businesses investing in building lodges.
Recently, the Midlands State University (MSU) announced plans to construct a five star hotel in the city.
University registrar, Erasmus Mupfiga said the tertiary institution was looking for partners to invest on the project on a build operate and transfer basis.
Online Reporter