Gweru a tourism sleeping giant

Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) is mooting plans to declare Gweru a tourism development zone, a move inspired by an array of tourism sites in the Midlands city, an official said.

ZTA operating officer Givemore Chidzidzi said Gweru, was a potential tourism destination. “ZTA takes this province seriously because we believe it’s a sleeping giant,” Chidzidzi said. Tourism development zones are regions which show potential for tourism apart from traditional attractions. ZTA has already declared Masvingo and Kariba tourism development zones. Among the potential tourism sites are Mafungautsi Plateu, safari areas such as Antelope Park, Naletali Ruins and Recreational Parks. “We are glad that Naletali Ruins were given a shot in the arm by the US ambassador last year; hence we await more visitors from that country,” he said. The United States (US) embassy in 2014 donated more than $64 000 to the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) to restore the collapsed walls of Naletale Ruins in Somabhula, a potential national heritage site. Chidzidzi, however, bemoaned poor accommodation in the city, saying Gweru did not have the capacity to meet a surge in demand for visitors. “There is a lot of potential because of the transport links,” he said. “But the city has a few hotels which is worrisome when tourists visit because we cannot meet the demand.”- Daily News EndFragment

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