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In an interview, the deputy director of domestic tourism in the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Mr Douglas Runyowa said the money was intended to bring the facilities up to standard.
He said the fund would be for existing projects only, as it was not enough for those who wanted to set up new facilities. However, it could not be established how much would be availed under the facility.
“The ministry is working on a fund to be availed to small to medium players in the tourism business so that they refurbish their structures in preparation of the forthcoming general assembly.
“A number of our products are not up to scratch that is why we intend to avail the fund before year end. The funds are not much hence we are targeting already existing structures to be beneficiaries of the fund,” said Mr Runyowa.
He said they were working closely with the Infrastructural and Development Bank of Zimbabwe (IDBZ).
“Accessing credit lines is difficult but the ministry is trying its best. We engaged and are now working closely with IDBZ so as to bring this event to fruition,” he said.
Mr Runyowa encouraged small to medium players in tourism business to register with the ministry so as to benefit from the fund.
In a separate interview, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive Mr Karikoga Kaseke said women and youth in tourism should participate fully in such endeavours as they come once in a lifetime.
He said it was their wish to see women and the youth increase the capacity of their tourism business operations.
Online Reporter