Zimbabwe records US$120m investment in tourism

ZIMBABWE Tourism Authority (ZTA) chief executive Ms Winnie Muchanyuka has said the country recorded US$120 million investment in tourism in the first half of the year, which is a sign of confidence in the destination.

As part of efforts to revive the sector, Zimbabwe crafted the National Tourism Growth and Recovery Strategy, which was launched by President Mnangagwa in 2020.

The country’s engagement and re-engagement policy has also come in handy in boosting market confidence through renewed interest from key source markets.

Speaking on the sidelines of the recent luncheon hosted by Mbano Manor Hotel in Victoria Falls for American chef and TV personality Ms Carla Hall, Ms Muchanyuka said ZTA will continue with its trajectory of vigorously marketing the destination to attract both investors and tourists. She said more needs to be done to attract investment in new eateries and leisure activities to help lengthen the stay in the country by tourists.

“In the first half of the year, we have projects that were completed to the tune of US$120 million and that was a 24 percent increase compared to the same period last year. We have had investments in the areas of boutique hotels, bed and breakfast lodges, hotels, aircraft restaurants, and fast-food outlets,” said Ms Muchanyuka.

“And all this speaks to the demand from our tourists and our investors both locally and internationally. It is a good indicator that the ZTA has been going on a mission with ZimTrade and Zida trying to attract investors to come and invest in tourism in particular.”

Ms Muchanyuka said they went to Russia, and China and are now targeting the United Arab Emirates where they intend to highlight opportunities available in the country in a bid to attract investors.

She said ZTA is intensifying the marketing of the destination to attract more investors and ambassadors.

“We would like to see more investments going into the areas of activities because that is what will make tourists stay longer thus translating to more receipts. We are actively driving these areas across the country where investment could flow,” said Ms Muchanyuka.

“As we have been promoting opportunities in investment we have been promoting adrenalin activities and there could be more investment in bringing new activities. We are short of restaurants, and different cuisines that could appeal to different tourists visiting our country.”

Ms Muchanyuka said ZTA will continue scouting for celebrated people to come and tell the Zimbabwe story and share their experiences with the outside world. — @ncubeleon