Chronicle Editor
Leonard Ncube, Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE attracted in excess of US$300 million in investment into the tourism sector in 2022 as the country continues to enjoy foreign direct investment owing to a conducive environment created by the Second Republic.
Investments were in areas of restaurants, hotels, lodges and activities.
Addressing a cross-section of tourism stakeholders, developers and financiers at a Zimbabwe Investment Forum at a local hotel in Bulawayo this morning, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive Ms Winnie Muchanyuka said tourism is a low-hanging fruit with a lot of hidden gems that need investment.
“The product needs a lot of investment. We are missing out on a lot of opportunities from MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) as we have a lot of hidden gems and a lot of places that people can visit.
” We need a lot of investment. Tourism is a low-hanging fruit and attracted more than $300 million in investment last year,” said Ms Muchanyuka.
She said tourism has the potential to improve livelihoods and create jobs.
Delegates are engaged in panel discussions on a wide range of subject areas including tourism as a business, real estate tourism, and investment.
Participants said there is also a need to consider investing in leisure, especially in urban areas where urban dwellers lack modern entertainment.
They implored the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (Zida) to assist local authorities in creating bankable businesses in the sector
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter