By Derick Tsimba
Touch Road International Holdings Group, a leading Chinese investment company launched tourism Tour Africa New Horizon project in Harare yesterday.
On its Facebook page, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) said Hon Ministry of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality, Prisca Mupfumira appreciated the support Government was getting.
“I appreciate the unwavering support from our Government counterparts, Tourism Industry Stakeholders and media present for their critical role in uplifting Brand Zimbabwe. Tour Africa New Horizon project extends to 65 countries with a total GDP of USD$23 trillion, marrying together infrastructure and cultural ties,” said the Minister.
Minister Mupfumira also said the project was in collaboration with the Ethiopian Airlines, a move which was going to ensure that the country receives visits by tourists from East African Countries.
“The project is in collaboration with the Ethiopian Airlines and so it will see tourists trickling in from East African Countries including Djibouti and Tanzania. The project’s main thrust is to raise even more awareness of Zimbabwe as a destination together with its existing products as well as challenging the Industry to come up with new and competitive products,” said the Minister of Tourism.
President of Touch Road International Holdings Group, Mr He Liuhue also said he was confident in Destination Zimbabwe on the project being launched.
“I am confident in Destination Zimbabwe on the project being launched today and I believe in a long lasting relationship between China and Zimbabwe,” he said.
Acting Ambassador of China to Zimbabwe, H.E Zhao Baogang said various projects had already commenced in the country.
“Various projects have already commenced in the country, tourism is important for the country’s development and it depends on national peace as a destination to flourish,” said Baogang.
Harare Post has learnt that Touch Road International Holdings Group is a leading Chinese investment company promoting packages to destination Zimbabwe and Africa. The group comprises of 33 tourism operators. The mission to Zimbabwe comes at the most opportune time for the nation to send solid signals to international community that Zimbabwe is a safe tourism and investment destination.
This important visit emanates from an MOU signed between the Ministry of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality and Touch-Road International Holdings Group in China during the first State visit by His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa in May 2018. The tours by leading tourism operators from China, will improve the image of Zimbabwe and increase the promotion of tourism in our country.
