Tourism Minister Rwodzi hosts Qatari delegation at Vic Falls ahead of key meetings
Business Reporter
TOURISM Minister Barbara Rwodzi has extended a familiarization visit to the Qatari delegation in Victoria Falls ahead of key meetings at State House.
The visit, which follows Zimbabwe’s recent business reforms, aims to formalise key bilateral investment agreements, particularly in the tourism sector.
The 19-member delegation arrived last week to explore bilateral ties. They were given a tour of Victoria Falls by Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi, a visit that was hailed as a significant step towards attracting substantial foreign direct investment.
Minister Rwodzi confirmed that the visit is an indication of the strong relationship between the two governments.
“I would like to say that this visit is an indication of all the good relationships between the two Governments. On Monday (today) the delegation will meet President Mnangagwa at State house to strengthen Zimbabwe-Qatar public-private investment frameworks.
“The discussions that we had and the interest that they have in investing in our country, and in the tourism sector, and coming to our tourism capital, Victoria Falls, also indicates that they have so much interest in putting their money in our country’s tourism infrastructure, and we are glad to have them,” she stated.
Minister Rwodzi highlighted that a visit by a member of a royal family is the ultimate endorsement of a country’s safety and appeal.
“If the Head of State, or if anyone from the royal family is visiting a destination, it means the destination is safe, the destination is peaceful, the destination is worth visiting. So, we shall see. We are anticipating or expecting a lot of people from Qatar coming into Zimbabwe, and vice versa . . . We want to see a reciprocal relationship in terms of tourism between the two countries,” she said.
Ambassador Mahomed Jassat, the director of public relations and chief adviser to His Royal Highness Sheikh Mansour, also spoke highly of the country’s potential, calling Zimbabwe “the best country in the world.”
“This is definitely the best country in the world, and it is not because I am Zimbabwean, but the Sheikh shares the same sentiment.
“So, we are in a wonderful place. We need to thank our President for allowing and for hosting us, for allowing and sending the Minister of Tourism to see us.
“It is truly an honour to be in Zimbabwe. If anyone has travelled all over the world, they now need to come to Zimbabwe . . . Zimbabwe is the best place in the world. We will be meeting with President Mnangagwa on Monday to further strengthen our strategic partnerships and investments,” said Ambassador Jassat.
Mansour Holdings chairperson and adviser to His Royal Highness Sheikh Mansour, Nidal Ammache, also expressed his appreciation for the country.
“Actually, it is my fourth time in Zimbabwe and first time in Victoria Falls. It is definitely quite a great experience. We are already in love, and we already really like the place. I am looking forward to more collaboration in the future,” he said.
The visit by Sheikh Mansour has cast the spotlight on Zimbabwe’s tourism offerings, with the two nations expected to explore areas of cooperation in various fields.
