Story by Tichaona Kurewa
The tourism industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, with part of over US$60 million worth of accommodation facilities being recently opened to clients in Victoria Falls.
One such facility, a 24-room hotel, recently opened doors for clients in a development expected to increase the resort city’s room capacity from around 3 000 to approximately 5 000, creating new opportunities for tourists and locals alike.
“Yes, I think Zimbabwe is hot property and Victoria Falls just complements what Zimbabwe has to offer. Everything from of course seeing the Victoria Falls to our wildlife, to religious tourism, to medical tourism, to all sorts of different options. But the big drawcard is the people of Zimbabwe and that’s why people come because we’ve got amazing people. Amazing products and varied products from five-star to three-star to comfortable bed and breakfasts and all of that. And Victoria Falls Oasis is here to assist and complement what is helping develop national tourism,” said Victoria Falls Oasi manager, Mr Jonathan Hudson.
The development has charmed the Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ).
“You know, the development in the city is something that is very much welcome. It’s something that we all encourage. The reason being that if you look at these new establishments, some of them actually cater for a certain type of market. And it’s not everyone who wants to go into a wholesale hotel. Some people would actually want to go into a boutique hotel. Some would like to go into a budget hotel looking at their money or rather their pockets and everything like that.
“So I think coming in of the new players helps segment and helps, you know, give a lot of choice to our tourists to then say, look, I would love to be in a budget place, I would love to be in a boutique and I would obviously love to be in a big hotel. So, you know, that gives some good choices for our guests or rather for our tourists that visit this place,” said the chairperson of HAZ Mat North Chapter.
The tourism boom is also expected to create jobs, increase foreign exchange earnings, and enhance infrastructure development.
