Ngonidzashe Chiutsi

Business Correspondent

ZIMBABWE’S tourism sector is on a massive expansion drive after the Government approved tourism industry projects worth $1,58 billion last year.

According to the draft Medium Term Policy Annual Progress Report 2012, the Government has approved various projects and some are already under way.

“For hotel and accommodation, projects worth $1,58 billion were approved for the tourism industry in 2011.  These projects include two new hotels in Harare and Mutare with 100 rooms and 46 rooms respectively,” said the report.

The report also indicates that other projects that have been approved include 14 new lodges and 73 restaurants in different parts of the country.

The tourism sector has been among those that have recorded considerable growth and players in the sector are trying to improve or come up with new facilities to capture the market.

In Bulawayo, Standard Products has turned a block of flats along Main Street, between 1st and Connaught Avenue into a 45-bed hotel. The hotel will be called Standard.

The report said the Government considered tourism as one of the key drivers of the economy.

Following the successful bid by Zimbabwe to host the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNTWO) 2013 General Assembly with Zambia players in the sector have embarked on various projects in preparation for the event set for August next year.

There are plans to build a convention centre that will accommodate about 5 000 delegates.

However, the project is hanging in the balance following reports that the Government had no funds to carry out the project.

The Victoria Falls Municipality also intends to upgrade its sanitation facilities and the road infrastructure so that they meet the standards.

Many private companies in the hotel industry in Victoria Falls are already busy renovating their hotels and lodges in preparation for the event.