The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) is the National Tourism Organisation (NTO), which is a parastatal established through an Act of Parliament; the Tourism Act of 1996 14.20 whose mandate is to plan, develop, manage and market Zimbabwe in all source markets locally, regionally and internationally.
Overall functions
According to Section 5 of the Tourism Act, Chapter 14:20, the functions of the Authority are as follows:
To promote Zimbabwe as a destination for tourists and to promote the tourism industry in overseas, regional and domestic markets.
- To develop marketing skills and initiatives within the industry.
- To promote high standards in the tourist industry through the establishment of standards, training and human resources development.
- To register and grade designated tourist facilities.
- To promote the development of tourist facilities.
- To undertake planning for the tourist industry, including the conducting of market research and the development of a tourism data base.
- To promote awareness in Zimbabwe of the benefits of tourism.
- To provide consultancy and advisory services in relation to tourism.
- To investigate and make recommendations to the Minister on any matter affecting the tourism industry and the administration of the act on its own initiative or at the request of the Minister to carry out any functions that May be conferred to or imposed on the Authority by or under the Tourism Act or any other enactment.
Bulawayo: A historical background
Bulawayo was originally the home of Lobengula, the last of the Matebele Kings. It is known as “The City of Kings” because of the Ndebele chiefs who ruled in the area after breaking away from Zulu land in the south. However, it is now called the City of Kings and Queens, to appease the Bulawayo women.
Located at a vantage point in the Sub-Saharan Region, Bulawayo forms the axis of a well-planned road and rail network to the north, south, east and west of Zimbabwe. It thus has the dual role of being the regional capital for Southern Zimbabwe and also a link to the interior of Southern Africa. With its proximity to South Africa, it was natural for Bulawayo to develop as the industrial hub of Zimbabwe. It is located as a link between South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and the rest of the country.
Today, Bulawayo is one of the country’s most attractive cities, with a pleasing mixture of Victorian and modern architecture which gives it a unique character. From a tourist view, Bulawayo has a lot to offer, either from within itself or the surroundings. The city is located near Matobo National Park, Khami Monument which are both UNESCO Heritage Sites. Being in Bulawayo gives one close proximity to Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park. In the city there is the National Art Gallery, housed in a Victorian era building, the Railway Museum and at the Natural History Museum amongst other attractions.
Areas Of Interests
Heritage Corridor (St Mary’s Basilica, Railway Museum
Khami Monument
Natural History Museum Of Zimbabwe
Bulawayo Sun Casino
Office details
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority
Coal House 95 Robert Mugabe Way/9th Avenue
Bulawayo
+263 292 272354/8
www.zimbabwetourism.net
