Rutendo Nyeve
BRITISH billionaire and Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has chosen Zimbabwe to celebrate his 74th birthday, praising the country’s natural beauty, golf tourism and warm hospitality in an endorsement of its recreation offering.
Sir Jim, founder of global chemicals company INEOS, arrived at Victoria Falls International Airport on Saturday ahead of his birthday celebrations yesterday.
He marked the occasion with a round of golf at Elephant Hills Golf Course, describing the experience as magnificent.
The billionaire is on an eight-day visit that will also take him to Hwange National Park and Mana Pools National Park, two of Zimbabwe’s renowned wildlife destinations.
Speaking after his round at Elephant Hills yesterday, Sir Jim said he had chosen Zimbabwe for his birthday because of its natural attractions and welcoming people.
“It is my birthday today, and we have chosen Zimbabwe for my birthday, and it’s been a glorious golf course, the people have been lovely, the weather’s fantastic,” he said.
“Apart from one tree which I hit with my golf ball, the morning has been wonderful and we are now following this with Hwange and then Mana Pools.”
Sir Jim praised the golf course’s natural setting, saying its scenery and wildlife made the experience particularly memorable.
“Elephant Hills Golf Course is marvellous, it’s been thoroughly enjoyable, and the nice thing about golf is it takes you to some really interesting places, some really nice courses, but this is very special because the trees are magnificent and I love nature and trees,” he said.
“The scenery was magnificent, it’s very quiet, there are not many people here and the people we did meet were very courteous and friendly, and then, thirdly of course, you have got animals on the golf course, so you have got impala and warthog and bush buck and it’s just, you know, one with nature, really so thoroughly enjoyable and I made a few putts, so I’m always happy if I make a few putts.”
Sir Jim gave Zimbabwe’s hospitality a rating of 10 out of 10, citing the friendliness of the people and the quality of the coffee.
“In terms of hospitality, so far 10 out of 10. They can’t be more friendly, the coffee is good, in fact, the coffee is excellent here, actually and again, friendly faces everywhere, so yeah, hospitality’s been excellent. That’s why I love Zimbabwe,” he said.
The visit is not his first encounter with the country. Sir Jim recalled canoeing along a stretch of the Zambezi River about a decade ago, describing the adventure as exciting.
“From here we are going to Hwange. I think we are going to be there for about three nights and then, after that, Mana Pools,” he said.
“Many years ago, I canoed down the Zambezi, 80 or 100 kilometres down the river in a canoe which was quite exciting, I have to say, but that was 10 years ago,” he said.
The businessman described Zimbabwe as a special destination, highlighting its wildlife, Victoria Falls and the friendliness of its people.
“I think Zimbabwe is a magnificent place; it’s full of friendly people, it’s very safe, it’s got two, magnificent national parks, the only two I know, Hwange and Mana Pools.
“And of course you have got Victoria Falls, which is one of the wonders of the world, and nobody would ever forget going to Victoria Falls because it’s such a magnificent site. A special place, a very good place,” he said.
Sir Jim also thanked Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi for the welcome extended to him during his stay.
“I want to say to the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry (Barbara Rwodzi), it’s very kind of you to send this gentleman over to ask how we’re getting on in Zimbabwe,” he said.
In a post on its Facebook page yesterday, the ministry welcomed the high-profile visitor, describing his stay as an opportunity to experience the country’s tourism offerings.
“Destination Zimbabwe is delighted to welcome Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, who is in the country enjoying our offerings. Thank you for spending time in our beautiful destination, Sir Jim,” the ministry said.
Sir Jim’s visit comes as Zimbabwe continues to market itself internationally as a destination for wildlife tourism, adventure, heritage and leisure travel.
The country recorded more than 1,6 million international tourist arrivals in 2024, generating US$1,2 billion in tourism receipts and attracting US$190,5 million in investment.
Zimbabwe is also home to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Victoria Falls, Great Zimbabwe, Khami Ruins, Matobo Hills and Mana Pools National Park.
The country’s tourism attractions range from the Victoria Falls and the Great Zimbabwe Monument to the Eastern Highlands, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing, cultural tourism and outdoor recreation.
The Government under the Second Republic has identified tourism as a contributor to economic growth, employment creation and foreign currency generation, with President Mnangagwa describing the sector as a “low-hanging fruit” for accelerating economic development.
