adminVictor Maphosa
Mashonaland East Bureau
Thousands in the tourism industry this week thronged Suskwe Hotels and Resort at Mutoko Centre for national celebrations of the World Tourism Day.
The theme was “Tourism and Green Investments’’ highlighting the need to invest in people, the planet and prosperity.
The commemorations were officiated by Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbra Rwodzi, and those who attended the event included Government officials, traditional leaders and tourism operators from across the country.
It was an event to remember for the people of Mutoko and the province at large, with tourism and hospitality industry operators from Mutoko commending there Government for selecting their district to host the big event.
Mr Norest Nyamakope, owner of Suskwe Hotels and Resort, said hosting such a big event was a step in the right direction as it marketed business and would translate in more visitors coming to the area.
“We are humbled. We did not expect this given that we are young players in the industry. However, with the support from various stakeholders, we pulled it through and we are grateful. Hosting this event will make our place be known all over, and this is a good marketing strategy,” he said.
“Mutoko will never be the same after this. We thank Government for supporting the industry. There is a brighter future for the tourism industry. We will do our part to make sure Mutoko becomes a tourist hub.”
Mr Learnmore Masunda of Dhana Family Leisure Centre said hosting such an event had put Mutoko on the map. “Mutoko is that area which is not popular in Zimbabwe, but from today onwards, the area will be known internationally,” he said. “We are the people who will work to ensure the area is a tourist attraction. President Mnangagwa is always saying Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, so we are here as Mutoko people to work and transform the district.
“We started working on this area two years back and now we are seeing transformation. Soon, Mutoko will be a little Dubai, and people will be flocking here. We will do it. Mutoko has a lot of places for tourists so as people visit these attractive areas, they will need a place to sleep, for entertainment and a place where to eat. As a result, we are putting up state-of-the-art structures for them. We want them to enjoy their stay here.”
Another operator, Mr Bernard Kasekete of Kohori Lodges, said Mutoko would soon be one of the favourite tourist destinations.
“Soon, Mutoko will be competing with other big players across the country. We are taking tourism to Mutoko and we are working to ensure Mutoko becomes the new tourist destination, and the most favourite one,” he said.
“We are doing this as children of Mutoko. We have answered the call by President Mnangagwa to build this country on our own, so here we are developing Mutoko. People will surely love to visit this area.”
Mashonaland East Province boasts of being the hub of religious tourism where people from all corners of the world visit Mutemwa in Mutoko and the Bernard Mizeki religious shrines in Marondera.
The province also has the now popular Makurumure Falls in Hwedza, Mutoko Monuments, Imire Game Park, Mhakwe Caves, Nyatana Conservancy and Tsindi Monuments.
Online Reporter