Chronicle Editor
Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter
MASVINGO Province has announced the establishment of two tourism Special Economic Zones (SEZs) aimed at unlocking the region’s tourism potential and attracting investors. SEZs are specific geographic areas delineated for targeted economic activities with unique regulatory frameworks.
The designated areas, Gonarezhou in Chiredzi and Great Zimbabwe Monuments 40km out of the City of Masvingo will offer tax incentives and holidays to encourage investment in the tourism sector.
Speaking during the Zimbabwe Tourism Investment Forum held at the just-ended Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC) in Bulawayo, Mr Clever Chingwara, Masvingo Province’s Director of Economic Affairs and Investment said tourism was a low hanging fruit for the province, which if exploited fully has the potential to bring an enhanced economic activity.
He emphasised the benefits these special economic zones (SEZs) will bring.
“We’ve designated two special economic development zones: Gonarezhou in Chiredzi and Great Zimbabwe in Masvingo,” Mr Chingwara said.
“These zones will provide tax incentives and holidays to investors looking to construct lodges, hotels and conference centres.”
He highlighted the need for more tour operators in the region, noting that despite possessing rich tourist attractions, the province lacked adequate operational support.
Mr Chingwara pointed to the Masvingo Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which presents numerous investment opportunities, including the establishment of larger hotels and exclusive campsites.
He said investing in Masvingo comes with numerous advantages, including a wealth of cultural resources, proximity to key urban areas, and a well-developed road network linking Harare to Masvingo and Masvingo to Beitbridge.
“With these advantages, the province stands out as a prime tourism development zone,” he added.
Masvingo is also home to significant natural and cultural tourism assets, such as the Great Zimbabwe Monument, which draws visitors from across the globe.
“The name of our country itself is derived from Masvingo, establishing a strong destination brand,” Mr Chingwara noted.
He further suggested the development of integrated resorts, golf courses and water sports activities at Lake Tugwi-Mukosi and Lake Mutirikwi adding that plans are afoot to improve infrastructure at Masvingo Airport and Buffalo Range Airport to enhance access to these tourism hotspots, as well as considering cable cars for better connectivity to new island developments.
Speaking at the same forum, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Barbra Rwodzi, highlighted Government incentives for national investment, which include duty rebates on imported tourism equipment and vehicles.
She said Victoria Falls has been designated as a special economic zone to attract further investment with tax exemptions and other benefits.
“Our tourism sector is committed to supporting the Government’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), aligned with Vision 2030,” Minister Rwodzi said.
As Masvingo embarks on this significant initiative, the province is poised to enhance its tourism infrastructure and elevate its profile as a key destination in the country. — @nyeve14.
Online Reporter