TOURISM and Hospitality Industry Minister Prisca Mupfumira has pleaded with international tourism players and exhibitors at the ongoing Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) to consider Zimbabwe for investment and tourism business.
In the 90s when tourism was at its peak, Zimbabwe’s tourism sector used to receive more than 30 percent contribution from the overseas market, however, the figures have dropped to less than 15 percent.
In an effort to return tourism to its former glory, the government has come up with various initiatives in the area of branding and marketing the attraction centres in the country but the efforts have not yielded much success due to bad politics from the previous establishment.
Addressing delegates at Zimbabwe stand during a reception at ITB in Berlin, Minister Mupfumira said things have changed and that the country is offering many opportunities and incentives for investments in the tourism sector.
“To support the sustenance of the tourism industry, the government commits itself to offering tourism investment incentives such as duty exemptions and rebates on capital goods for tourism development zones as well as the provision of the tourism fund.
“With all these developments and much more to come, allow me, valued guests, to plead with you to consider Zimbabwe as your next destination for investment and tourism business.
“We need you more than ever and we hope that you will be part of the transition as we strive to reposition Zimbabwe to the glory of yesteryears.
“Together we can make Zimbabwe the favourable destination to visit, the destination of choice and above all the favourable economic playfield for all,” she said.
Minister Mupfumira added that on the tourism front, it is an undisputed fact that Zimbabwe is a very beautiful and appealing destination with some of the finest tourist attractions such as the Victoria Falls, the rich historical and heritage sites as well as pristine and unspoilt national parks.
The tourism minister urged tourism investors to take up opportunities that have been presented through the establishment of the Special Economic Zones
“Opportunities have been unlocked in the Special Economic Zones and Trans-frontier Conservation Areas which will see the development of hotel and catering industry, safari and tour operations, gaming and construction of international conventions among other developments,” she said.
Zimbabwe is a rich country, endowed with numerous resources and Minister Mupfumira said “we are ready to share with the world for the benefit of the Zimbabwe populace and its wellbeing,”
