Zimbabwe took its tourism and investment case to the global stage in New York, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa presiding over the Zimbabwe Business Forum on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81).
Held under the theme “Global Challenges. Zimbabwean Solutions. Shared Prosperity,” the forum showcased a range of investment opportunities available in the country, with tourism occupying a prominent place on the agenda. President Mnangagwa invited American travellers and investors to explore Zimbabwe’s heritage, wildlife and cultural offerings, singling out Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park as flagship attractions.
Presenting the tourism and investment case, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Chief Executive Officer Dr George Manyaya laid out the country’s capacity to deliver a complete visitor experience through what he termed the Six A’s of Tourism: Attractions, Accessibility, Accommodation, Amenities, Activities and Ancillary Services.
He drew attention to the Masuwe Special Economic Zone, a 1,200-hectare development earmarked for tourism and financial services. A feasibility study covering bulk infrastructure for the project has been completed, alongside a cadastral survey for its first phase, spanning 271.5 hectares.
Dr Manyaya also stressed the significance of the United States as Zimbabwe’s largest source market for international tourists, framing the American audience as central to the country’s growth ambitions in the sector.
Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon. Barbara Rwodzi was also in attendance, taking part in business-to-business engagements aimed at deepening tourism and investment ties with American counterparts.
The forum reinforced Zimbabwe’s positioning under the banner “Zimbabwe is Open for Business,” as the country continues to court global markets for its tourism assets and broader investment opportunities.
