Tourism Correspondent

The 12thEdition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo to be officially opened today by the Acting Minister of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality, Kirsty Conventry took off to a good start in terms of attendance and stature, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority has said.

Claver Nyuki

The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs for Bulawayo, Judith Ncube revealed that her office, together with the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) maintain an open door policy to all potential investors in the city's tourism sector and other areas of interest.

Claver Nyuki in Binga

The Ministry of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry in partnership with the Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe (IDBZ)  is set to construct a five star 42-bedroom hotel in Binga, in a move that is aimed at maximizing the potential of the tourism industry in the district.

 

The move, which is in line with President Emmerson Mnangagwa's vision of a middle class economy by 2030, would see many locals getting employment and also witness an increase in the volume of tourists in the area.

An official from Binga Rural District Council who spoke to the Harare Post revealed that the paperwork for the project was nearing completion with work on the ground set to commence soon.

"The Tourism Ministry has realised the potential of the tourism industry in Binga, thus has partnered IDBZ to construct a 42 bedroom hotel here.

"The project which will see many locals gaining employment is in line with the President's vision 2030," she said.

"Right now we are seized with the necessary paperwork and once finalised will commence construction on the ground," she added.

Contrary to the general belief that Binga is underdeveloped, the official stressed that Binga had managed to preserve its rich cultural background which many have misconstrued as backwardness.

"The notion that Binga is backward is mischievous and just stereotyping. As Binga RDC, we have managed to maintain our rich cultural background which makes us (a) destination of choice by tourists," she said.

 

The official also mentioned that Binga boasts of many unique tourist attractions which potential investors could tap into.

"Investors can capitalise on the potential of Binga as we boast of many tourism attractions, among them the famous crocodile farm, Lake Kariba which is used by many international and local tourists for fishing tournaments and other water sports, and the unique Tonga culture and crafts."

Tourism sector in Zimbabwe is growing and such efforts by Government would contribute immensely to the country's target creating a US$7 billion earnings tourism industry under the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP).

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By Tourism correspondent

The 12th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo kicks off today at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZITF), Bulawayo with 260 exhibitors expected to participate in the annual tourism trade fair.