Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has welcomed the entry of the Hyatt Regency brand into Zimbabwe’s tourism industry as a vote of confidence in Brand Zimbabwe.
This Monday, the President officiated at the re-branding ceremony of the Meikles hotel which is now Hyatt Regency the Meikles.
Soon after arrival at the hotel, the President toured the newly refurbished facilities and he was impressed with what he saw describing it as fantastic.
After its acquisition by Albwardy, an entity which runs several international hotels, the Meikles Hotel went through refurbishment with the first phase having been completed.
The rebranding of the hotel will see US$30 million being channeled into the project.
The Government’s economic diplomacy thrust is bearing fruit, with some investors now coming in to take up the available business opportunities.
“Since the advent of the second republic, the tourist sector has witnessed growth in terms of tourist arrivals and facilities.
“Last year alone we realised a 34% increase in tourism arrivals. The entry of Hyatt is yet another show of confidence in brand Zimbabwe. With the history of Zimbabwe, only brave people will come. It further attests to the confidence the people have in Zimbabwe.
“I remember meeting Mr Ali outside the country and now I know you believe me. I am delighted to announce the investment plan he has spoken about has come to fruition. The Hyatt regency team has shown confidence in Zimbabwe,” said the President.
The head of state also assured present and future investors that their investments are safe in the country.
“On behalf of the government, the people of Zimbabwe and the tourism and hospitality sector, I therefore welcome you to Zimbabwe. Under our mantra Zimbabwe is open for business be rest assured that we will continue to be an investment destination where capital, investors and visitors will always be safe.”
With deliberate policies put in place to steer economic growth, President Mnangagwa says Zimbabwe is marching forward with development.
“Zimbabwe is on an irreversible transformative journey of modernisation, industrialisation and development. The arrivals of Hyatt regency will undoubtedly contribute to our determination to achieve a US$4 billion tourism economy by 2025 and to accelerate the realization of our national vision to become a prosperous and empowered upper middle income society by 2030.”
The development comes at a time when Zimbabwe is preparing to host the SADC summit in August with President Mnangagwa confirming that his government has given a nod to the newly-refurbished hotel to host delegates.
“Meanwhile I am pleased to state that the Hyatt regency Harare hotel is one of the facilities we have deemed suitable to host delegates attending the SADC Summit in August this year. Such an endorsement amplifies the fact that we are proud as a government and country to be associated with this brand and the facilities at this hotel,” he said.
With the tourism sector having seen a 24 % increase in tourist arrivals, Zimbabwe continues to work to better the country’s tourism facilities.
