FARAI CHIMBA APPOINTED ZTA BOARD CHAIRMAN: A STRATEGIC LEAP FOR DESTINATION ZIMBABWE

The Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, has appointed seasoned hotelier Farai Chimba as the new Board Chairman of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA). Effective from late 2025, Chimba takes the helm at a pivotal moment as the nation strives toward its Vision 2030 goal of becoming an upper-middle-income economy, with tourism serving as a primary pillar of growth.

Chimba’s ascent to the ZTA chairmanship follows a distinguished tenure within the private sector, most notably as the Vice President of the Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe (TBCZ) and President of the Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ). During his time at the TBCZ, Chimba was instrumental in bridging the gap between private operators and government regulators. His leadership was defined by a commitment to sustainability—exemplified by his role in the Climate Friendly Travel Registry—and his efforts to maintain high service standards during the sector’s recovery from global travel disruptions.

Under his stewardship at HAZ, he advocated for the interests of over 200 active members, ranging from major hotel chains to small lodges. His deep-rooted understanding of the industry is anchored by his professional background as the General Manager of the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World brand. This unique blend of local advocacy and international luxury standards has equipped him with the strategic insight necessary to lead Zimbabwe’s promotional body.

As the new ZTA Chairman, Chimba is tasked with strengthening Zimbabwe’s global tourism image and improving regulatory effectiveness. His expertise is expected to drive several key initiatives:

• Strengthening Marketing Strategies: Leveraging his international network to attract both domestic and foreign investment while enhancing destination promotion.
• Regulatory Efficiency: Overseeing the enforcement of industry standards and streamlining registration for operators to ensure a high-quality visitor experience.
• Digital Transformation: Integrating modern technology and data-driven intelligence to track sector performance and traveller trends.

Industry bodies like the Arts Journalists Association of Zimbabwe (AJAZ) have praised the appointment, noting that Chimba’s professionalism and accessibility will foster stronger collaborations between the media and the tourism sector. With a mandate to boost foreign currency inflows and national GDP, Chimba’s leadership signals a new era of innovation and transparency for “Zimbabwe’s tourism.