Noble Ncube, Business Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Tourism Authority has said there is need for Bulawayo’s business community to take advantage of the proximity to the country’s major tourist attractions and harness an array of investment opportunities which are availed in the hospitality and tourism industry.
ZTA investment tourism executive, Ms Tafadzwa Meki said Bulawayo was strategically located at the centre and was a gateway route to various tourist attraction destinations in the country, a situation which entrepreneurs might utilise to setup hospitality and tourism oriented businesses.
“Bulawayo enjoys a strategic geographical location as it is a transit city, centrally located between Harare and Victoria Falls.
The province is home to the much hyped Matobo National Park, which is home to the largest concentration of the black and white rhinoceros.
“Of Zimbabwe’s seven wonders, it’s interesting to note that Bulawayo boasts of three of these, namely wonderful people and culture, rich history and heritage, pristine wildlife and nature. As a result there is dire need to grow business tourism in Bulawayo,” she said. Ms Meki said despite diverse tourism attraction around the city there was need to develop extensive business tourism as Bulawayo only experienced increased foreign populace traffic and bookings when hosting the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair and Mine Entra exhibitions.
“The main drive of tourism in Bulawayo is business tourism events like the ZITF, Mine Entra, WAShen and a number of other high profile conferences and meetings. Lack of proper conferencing facilities also means the province cannot host major conventions and events. Bulawayo generally lacks competitive tourism amenities offering a choice of activities for tourists.
There is need to invest in adequate conferencing amenities such as furniture and fittings, which would cost far less than building a new structure. Ultimately it makes Bulawayo more attractive as “the place” to hold conferences,” she said.
Ms Meki said there was need for Bulawayo to invest in putting up conferencing facilities as well as construction of a five star hotel facility.
“It is interesting to note that the whole region does not have a five star accommodation facility, and the best facilities available are three star hotels, hence the sector is open for more investment in that regard.
“Existing rooms and beds are likely to be saturated by 2020 thereby projecting a need for 500 more rooms by 2020. ZITF has infrastructure that can potentially host large conferences that can accommodate over 5 000 delegates.
“Steps are being taken to ensure sustainable growth and development of the sector to make it attractive for investors . . . as ZTA we will market and promote any tourism products,” said Ms Meki.
ZTA chief executive officer, Mr Karikoga Kaseke said his organisation was keen to bring at least four international conferences to Bulawayo, further stating that there was need for the city to improve the standards of its accommodation for visitors.
“We aim to bring at least four international conferences to Bulawayo. We are looking at 5 000 plus people. We need facilities that will cater for these people. We lost 17 conferences in 2014 alone because of small conference venues. We need to invest in that area,” he said.
Mr Kaseke said it was imperative for cities, towns and resorts to offer competitive shopping malls that attract international brands.
He also encouraged local business tourism and urged players in the industry come up with comparative pricing models for their products and services.
Other investment opportunities available in Bulawayo are in areas such as integrated resorts, culture villages, golf estates and casino, theme/amusement parks, state-of-the-art shopping malls and restaurants.