‘Zim has capacity to host world’s major conferences’

Conrad Mwanawashe Business Reporter
ZIMBABWE has a strong destination appeal which can be exploited to boost tourism receipts, a world renowned expert in the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions Exhibitions (MICE) industry said. Mr Gary Grimmer, chief executive officer of Gaining Edge Consultancy, told a Stakeholders Engagement Programme breakfast meeting hosted by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) on Tuesday that Zimbabwe has capacity to host some of the world’s major conferences which usually gather about 500 guests.

Gaining Edge Consultancy, which is based in Australia, assisted in the birth of the National Conventions Bureau Division within the ZTA.

Mr Grimmer said through the Zimbabwe National Convention Bureau formed in February 2013, the country stands to benefit through MICE business events as they usually provide high yield visitors.

“It brings foreign expenditure over a wide cross-section of business community, that is, accommodation, transport, venues, event organisers, retail, restaurants, technology providers and attractions, among others,” said Mr Grimmer.

“Because of the medium- to long- term booking patterns of business, events provide investor confidence towards infrastructure development and help optimise infrastructure usage while contributing to tax revenue,”