We should leverage on visits by A-listers

IF Zimbabwe was a counter listed on the stock exchange, it would be considered a buy.

Editor’s Brief

Victoria Ruzvidzo

This is a share in which investors see value today and into the future. It is a stock that any investor would want to have in their portfolio.

This country is in vogue. Even its most ardent enemies know deep down their hearts that this country is going somewhere.

No one said we do not have challenges. We do, actually; some even colossal, but that will not stop us from forging ahead.

The recent visit by former boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Junior and other global icons like Richard Branson was phenomenal and quite impactful in more ways than one.

The fact that this country has managed to attract people of such ilk is testament that we are doing something right. Their being here meant that millions of their followers and fans also had their eyes focused on this teapot-shaped Republic, as our good old clergyman Bishop Lazarus likes to call this country.

Mayweather Jnr is respected globally, so you can imagine the interest raised by his trip here.

If there were any of his fans who may not have heard about Zimbabwe, they definitely might have searched the internet. All those people are potential tourists and investors for Zimbabwe. Mayweather Jnr raised their curiosity about this country and it would not be surprising if we register more visits from his home town or legion of fans across the world. His visit directly and indirectly endorsed Zimbabwe as a must-visit destination.

We commend prospective Mabvuku Member of Parliament and businessman Mr Scott Sakupwanya for bringing him to this country.

Such foresight can only take Zimbabwe far.

Mayweather, who met President Mnangagwa, spoke glowingly about this country and pledged to work with the grassroots in sport and other spheres, which is a plus in itself.

“For the last 17 to 18 years, I have been able to travel throughout Africa, but I had never come to Zimbabwe. I wanna call Zimbabwe one of my homes and I wanna give back to the people in Zimbabwe; that’s what we (with President Mnangagwa) have been talking about today, you know, just helping the country of Zimbabwe.

“The President is unbelievable. He is for the people and I told him he has my support 100 percent, so we need him brought back
here, one is for a great cause, one is for the people.”

Virgin Atlantic founder Richard Branson also visited the country recently. For a person of his stature to have chosen to come to Zimbabwe is something we cannot take lightly.

There are so many places he could have visited, but he chose Zimbabwe.

He had a great experience: “Many years ago, when Holly and Sam were kids, my family had the pleasure of travelling down the Zambezi River. Mum and dad came along, and we even managed to get Joan in a canoe! It was an extraordinarily beautiful trip, going through the Mana Pools and seeing some incredible wildlife,” Branson wrote.

“It was delightful joining Tim (Eva) and his son, Wilf, my sister, Vanessa, my daughter-in-law, Isabella, and a wonderful group of conservationists to camp and canoe down the magnificent river.

“We had to watch out for enormous crocodiles, buffalo and hippos that could accidentally tip over our canoes. Thankfully, we had brilliant guides,” he said.

Aston Villa’s captain John McGinn was also here recently. He confessed Zimbabwe was heaven on earth.

The advent of social media,  with such platforms as Tiktok, Instagram, Twitter etc. has made it possible for the personalities to share their visit in real time, working to our advantage. This is great publicity that is far-reaching and can motivate fans to follow suit or take a keen interest.

Here are some of the celebrities who have graced our land over the last few years:

June 2021 — American model and media personality Paris Hilton visited the Victoria Falls for a holiday.

March 2017 — American actor Will Smith visited the Victoria Falls on holiday.

December 2019 — Hollywood celebrity couple Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones visited the Victoria Falls on holiday.

December 2019 — Americans Trai Byers and Grace Gealey-Byers also visited Victoria Falls on holiday.

September 2011 — Famous Hollywood actor David Hassellhof was in the country.

US billionaire and Microsoft founder Bill Gates visited Zimbabwe in 2011 on holiday with his family. He is believed to have been here more than once.

Singer Shakira visited Malilangwe in Zimbabwe for a holiday in 2010.

February 2017 — FIFA president Gianni Infantino visited Zimbabwe at the invitation of former ZIFA president Philip Chiyangwa

Zimbabwe should make the most of such grand opportunities to market the country and grow its brand. Tourism is the primary beneficiary but experiences elsewhere show that there are broader economic benefits.

Zimbabwe is on a growth trajectory, with the economy set to grow by 5 percent this year.

Indeed, the figure is achievable.

The country needs to maximise on its growing list of top-notch visitors to carry the message to the world about its beauty and all it has to offer. Where possible, deals can be entered into with these personalities to promote the country and to appoint some of them as brand ambassadors. Easier said, but that which motivated them to visit the country is a form of capital on which we can expect a return on investment.

We should capitalise on the growing interest on Zimbabwe. The authorities should move into action to ensure the economy harvests much from such encounters.

Here is a snapshot of how some countries benefited from these high-profile visitors:

1. Beyoncé: Beyoncé is a well-known American singer, songwriter and actress who has performed in many countries around the world. Her concerts have been known to attract large crowds, and her recent “On the Run II” tour with her husband Jay-Z reportedly brought in over US$250 million in revenue. Her concerts and tours have helped boost the local economies of many host nations.
2. Lionel Messi is a professional football player from Argentina, who has played for the Spanish club FC Barcelona for many years. Messi’s popularity and success on the football pitch have made him a global icon, and his presence in international competitions has helped attract tourists and generate revenue for host nations.
3. Oprah Winfrey is an American television personality, actress and philanthropist, who has a large following in many countries around the world. Winfrey’s “Oprah’s Ultimate Australian Adventure” in 2010 was estimated to have generated over US$40 million in tourism revenue for Australia. She has also been known to support local charities and causes, which can have a positive impact on the host nation.
4. Roger Federer is a Swiss professional tennis player, who has won numerous Grand Slam titles and is considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Federer’s success on the court has
   helped promote tennis as a sport in many countries, and his presence in international tournaments has helped generate revenue for host nations.
5. Kim Kardashian is an American television personality, socialite and businesswoman who has a large following on social media. Kardashian’s visits to countries such as Armenia and Dubai have generated a lot of media attention and have helped promote tourism to those nations.

Additionally, her business ventures, such as her makeup and fragrance lines, have helped generate revenue for local businesses and economies.

In God I trust!