ZIMBABWE TOURISM AUTHORITY APPOINTS DR. GEORGE MANYAYA AS NEW CEO

The Board of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has announced the strategic appointment of Dr. George Munyaradzi Manyaya as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 February 2026. The move is widely viewed as a transformative step for Zimbabwe’s tourism sector, aimed at accelerating economic growth in alignment with the government’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and the broader Vision 2030 goals.

Dr. Manyaya, a seasoned executive and strategist, brings an impressive academic and professional pedigree to the Authority. He holds a Doctorate in Business Management, alongside a Master of Science in International Relations and a Master’s Degree in Strategic Management and Corporate Governance. His expertise is further bolstered by professional qualifications in mass communication, diplomacy, and regulation, providing him with a unique toolkit to navigate the intersection of public policy and global market dynamics.

A Multisectoral Leader

Before his appointment to the ZTA, Dr. Manyaya served as the General Manager for Marketing, Communications, and Stakeholder Relations at ZESA Holdings. He is also the current Chairman of the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA), where he is credited with spearheading significant governance reforms, modernization initiatives, and a successful corporate rebranding.

His career spans several tourism-enabling industries, including aviation, telecommunications, mining, and banking. Notably, his international experience within the United Nations system (IOM) has equipped him with deep insights into infrastructure development and multilateral stakeholder coordination—skills essential for repositioning Zimbabwe as a premier destination.

Mandate for Global Competitiveness

Dr. Manyaya is no stranger to the tourism industry, having previously served as a Tourism Brand Ambassador and a key member of the organizing committee for the historic 2013 UNWTO General Assembly. His new mandate as CEO is comprehensive: to position Zimbabwe as a globally competitive brand, enforce high industry standards, and facilitate sustainable investment.

The ZTA Board expressed immense confidence in his leadership, noting that his arrival comes at a pivotal time. As the country seeks to diversify its source markets and enhance product quality, Dr. Manyaya is expected to leverage Zimbabwe’s recent accolades—including being highlighted by Forbes as a top destination—to grow arrivals and tourism receipts.