Time to invest in Zimbabwe tourism

THE Minister of Tourism and Hospitality urged Zimbabweans to invest in the tourism sector and reassured them that the government is doing its best to ensure that the right conditions exist in the country to aid such investment.

Speaking on Friday to Zimbabwean reporters and businessmen at the Zimbabwean Embassy in London after the World Travel Market in London, Mzembi said the country was endowed with many natural resources that made it a great tourism catchment area.

He said Zimbabwe had one of the Seven Wonders of the World and hence should be able to attract a significant number of tourists in the country.

“We are blessed to have the Victoria Falls – one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Many tourists would love to see the falls. Let us all take advantage of that and showcase Zimbabwe,” said the minister.

“This is an area that urgently needs revamping and has the potential to earn the country the much needed foreigh currency.”

Mzembi also urged Zimbabweans living abroad to consider Zimbabwe as a destination of choice for their holidays. This will be an “indirect way of helping your country develop,” he added.

“You can rest assured that your minister is taking his job seriously and soon you should be able to see the fruits of our hard work.”

He added that investors in the tourism sector should take advantage of Statutory Instruments 46 and 50 which give businesses duty free imports and minimal licensing within the tourism sector.

He said investors were given 0-5 year tax breaks and lower tax breaks on 5-15 year periods.

The minister added that Zimbabwe’s participation at the recently held WTM in London is set to yield results for the tourism industry following rekindled interest registered in this country as a tourist destination.

“The fact that despite the global recession that has led to a decline in tourist arrivals worldwide only Africa has been able to register a positive growth in the first nine months of this year is positive news for this country,” said Mzembi.

He also said he would discuss with Cabinet the issue of passport renewals for Zimbabweans based abroad. He said Cabinet was currently discussion the best way to ensure that embassies can renew expired passports for Zimbabweans living abroad without them waiting for over six months as has been the case.

The minister said the inclusive Government of Zimbabwe “was working very well”.

The minister met with a select group of Zimbabwean businesses including airline, media, hospitality and other executives.

Source: Zimbabwe Guardian