Online Reporter
Trust Freddy-Zimpapers Correspondent
Newly appointed boards for the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and Mosi-Oa-Tunya Development Company (Pvt) Ltd are setting ambitious plans in motion to revitalise the country’s tourism sector.
Emphasising a commitment to infrastructure modernisation and global brand repositioning, the leaders are determined to leverage Zimbabwe’s recent international recognition to market the nation as a premier global destination.
Following their appointment by Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi, the boards laid out a shared vision of collaboration to achieve the country’s goal of becoming an upper-middle-income economy by 2030. This vision is particularly significant as the tourism sector is poised to contribute substantially to national growth.
A veteran hotelier and new ZTA board chairperson, Mr Farai Chimba, expressed enthusiasm about capitalising on Zimbabwe’s recent momentum, including commendations from Forbes magazine, which highlighted the nation’s tourism potential.
He also spoke about the importance of building on the positives seen in the tourism sector over the past two years, particularly in gastronomy tourism, which gained international recognition from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
“As a board coming into the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, we believe this is a great opportunity to ride on this momentum. We are looking at how to grow our tourism, recalibrate our strategies, and ensure that our brand stands out as the best in Africa and globally,” said Mr Chimba.
Mr Chimba is joined by vice chairperson Ms Lizzie Makwezwa and a dynamic nine-member board, which includes Charles Munganasa, Charity Magutorima, Jeffreys Manjengwa, Gamuchirai Mangundu, Millicent Sibongile Mombeshora, Godfrey Pasipanodya, Tarirai Musonza and Napoleon Nyanhi.
These experts from diverse fields are dedicated to enhancing Zimbabwe’s tourism profile. Their varied skill sets will be instrumental in addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the sector.
In conjunction with their strategic objectives, the newly appointed Mosi-Oa-Tunya Development Company board chairman, Mr Phineas Makombe, outlined plans to advance key projects within designated special economic zones.
A primary focus will be the completion of the international cricket stadium in Victoria Falls, aimed at fulfilling requirements for the upcoming Cricket World Cup.
“What we want to do is align with the President’s vision for 2030, demonstrating how tourism can also contribute to an upper-middle-income society,” Mr Makombe explained.
Highlighting the significance of developing infrastructure, especially around Victoria Falls, he indicated that these efforts are crucial for achieving national economic goals.
Mr Makombe will work alongside vice chairperson Ms Sheila Hawa Sidambe and an 11-member board, which includes Priscila Charumbira, Jarawani Stragle Kangara, Anton Venson Kashiri, Sherinah Sibanda, Jameson Mupariwa Mukaratirwa, Pianos Gweme, Donald Simbarashe Mabhiza, Comfort Chinengundu, Gladys Chinyerere, Phindile Ncube and Rashidi Mudala.
This composition ensures a multi-faceted approach to tourism development, focusing not just on physical infrastructure but also on the overall visitor experience.
Minister Rwodzi expressed confidence in the newly appointed boards, noting that their vast experience and expertise will provide essential oversight and strategic guidance as the country moves forward.
“The diverse talents of the new boards will significantly enhance our capacity to deliver effective tourism and hospitality services to both our people and the international market,” Minister Rwodzi observed.
She underscored the critical role of these initiatives in bolstering Zimbabwe’s GDP and improving the nation’s image in alignment with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) framework.
For the Mosi-Oa-Tunya Development Company, Minister Rwodzi said the board would be pivotal in driving tourism infrastructure development and investment facilitation across the country, solidifying Zimbabwe’s position as a key player in the global tourism landscape.
