Story by Owen Mandovha

THE local tourism industry has witnessed huge investments exceeding US$300 million which has accelerated the recovery of the sector in post COVID-19 pandemic.

The industry which came out heavily scathed in the aftermath of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, has made some impressive recoveries in terms of revenue and tourist arrivals.

Zimbabwe Tourism Authority ( ZTA) Spokesperson, Mr Godfrey Koti said annual revenue is nearing the one billion United States dollar mark to match pre-Covid 19 levels, while the sector has also witnessed huge investment into domestic tourism facilities.

“More than US$900 million got into the fiscus in the form of tourism receipts with at least US$300 million having been spent towards developing new tourism facilities across the country. The investment includes an amusement park in Mt Hampden which is a boost for the local tourism industry which has harnessed the recovery of the sector in the post-Covid-19 era.”

In a significant boost for domestic tourism, an artificial beach recently constructed by a local entrepreneur, Mr Lovemore Kurotwi, has become a sensation for beach lovers in a development that also adds value to the smart city that is currently being built in Mt Hampden.

“The artificial beach is aimed to boost local tourism in terms of reducing costs whereas people around Harare can enjoy beach facilities nearby. Also as the smart city is being constructed here in Mt Hampden this facility provides an additional tourism feature to the area.”

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority is leaving no stone unturned in terms of harnessing the local tourism industry, while the growing airline industry underpinned by the expansion of the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport is also set to provide a huge lifeline for the country’s tourism industry.