Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]
WITH the Government promoting Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism, the private sector is complementing these efforts by investing in various conference facilities to boost the sector.
Zimbabwe has adopted several strategies to tap into the significant business potential of MICE tourism, leveraging the vast tourism attractions dotted around the country to become a leading business and global leisure destination.
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the value of the global MICE industry is estimated between US$650 billion and US$700 billion, while Africa’s share is estimated at about US$13 billion of the total—less than two percent.
In an interview, Bethel Suites operations manager Ms Tariro Mtamangira said that as a private player, they are capitalising on various Government initiatives to invest in conference facilities, noting that the sector holds huge potential to promote growth in the tourism industry.
She said businesses sometimes opt for certain facilities to host their conferences, adding that if players leverage this opportunity, it could generate significant interest.
Ms Mtamangira said Bulawayo hosts numerous events, which necessitate further investment in tourism facilities, including hotels, conference centres, and more.
“We have an accommodation facility in Bulawayo with a conference centre and an extension of Bethel Facilities and Conference Centre in Harare,” said Ms Mtamangira.
“We are working on establishing another conference centre in Fourwinds here in Bulawayo. It is still under development, but we hope to open it soon.
“We really want to get the message out there because conferencing is gaining momentum, but we still have few facilities. We are exploring ways to expand, as individuals and businesses are now opting for other options.”
Ms Mtamangira said the tourism sector comprises many subsectors that form a value chain, adding that if the city invests in conference centres, it will also boost accommodation and other subsectors like food and beverages, among others.
Bethel Facilities and Conference Centre was awarded first runner-up in the Best MICE Stand category at the 17th edition of the 2024 Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, held in Bulawayo.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi has stated that MICE tourism is a major driver of economic growth, emphasising the need to develop large-scale facilities to accommodate demand.
She said the nation urgently requires MICE tourism infrastructure and confirmed that her ministry is collaborating with the Treasury, the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Professor Mthuli Ncube, and his team to ensure investments are prioritised.
Meanwhile, this year’s Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo is being hosted in Manicaland, with the ministry aiming to promote all provinces across the country.
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