Story by Tichaona Kurewa
Zimbabwe’s tourism recovery and growth plan has received a major boost after Mbano Manor Hotel in Victoria Falls joined the global hospitality group, Accor through a franchise.
Mbano Manor Hotel will be operating under the franchise flag of French hospitality giant, Accor’s premium brand called the Mantis Collection from June this year.
Accor recently confirmed the development highlighting that Mbano will be the first internationally branded hotel in Victoria Falls in over a decade.
Managing Director, Dr Mati Nyazema is excited about the latest development saying it is a major boost for the company and the local tourism industry.
Tourism experts believe this partnership is a show of confidence in Zimbabwe’s tourism sector.
“This is an excellent development for Zimbabwe. It clearly shows we are open to big business. Though Zimbabwe has struggled for years to be recognised in the international industry we are proving that it is possible to rise to greatness. I am sure we will be seeing similar developments for the rest of our tourism players. The impact of this development includes the growth of opportunities for all businesses not only tourism but any other business that is linked to tourism, like suppliers of goods used in the hotels, lodges etc,” noted tourism expert Sandra Gilbert.
Accor is a French multinational hospitality company which owns, manages and franchises hotels, resorts and vacation properties.
It is the largest hospitality company in Europe, and the sixth largest hospitality company worldwide, operating in 5300 locations in over 110 countries.
