The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has set its eyes on infrastructure development in an effort to increase tourists arrivals in the country as part of its robust plan to expand its horizon and lure strong visitor traffic this year.
The sector continues to record a positive trajectory after clocking 2,4 million arrivals last year translating to over $1 billion dollars in earned receipts.
Ministry of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Permanent Secretary, Munesu Munodawafa said the authority had identified lucrative opportunities in resorts such as Victoria Falls as well as opportunities for capital projects in Tugwi Mukosi.
“We are targeting a lot of investments in the tourism sector. We are coming almost to an optimum in terms of room occupancy, so investments in accommodation becomes key.
“We need to invest in building more lodges and hotels. We have plenty of leisure areas but we need our own entrepreneurs to come on board and invest as well. I would like to appeal to Zimbabweans to identify these spots and try to then invite potential foreign partners for engagement,” he said.
Zimbabwe is currently enjoying positive sentiments by investors from the world’s second-largest economy China. The Chinese are eyeing massive capital projects in Victoria Falls special zone.
There is also huge project currently underway in the world heritage site which is set to translate Zimbabwe into Grand Prix host upon completion.
According to Munodawafa, opportunities are also abundant in leisure and cultural products.
“In Victoria falls we have that land 1200 hectares ready for investment. In Tugwi Mukosi, we have opportunities for investments for a world-class golf course, and these are projects that will push Zimbabwean tourism to even greater heights.”
The government has put in place a number of incentives for the potential investors in this sector, among these leveraging on the special economic zones status that will provide investors with attractive packages as incentives.
