Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo| Tourism and Hospitality Minister Walter Mzembi has lambasted the Zanu PF factional battles for significantly contributing towards the decline in the number of tourists visiting the country.
Speaking during a public lecture at Great Zimbabwe University last week, Mzembi said the relentless Zanu PF warring has led to the decline in the number of tourists visiting the country.
Despite strongly attacking what he called protagonists in the succession battles, Mzembi is viewed by Zanu PF insiders as a member of the G40 group pushing for First Lady Grace Mugabe’s rise to the helm of the party, paving way for her to replace her 92 year old husband.
Mzembi said his ministry has been badly affected by the endless factional battles in the troubled ruling party. “Factional battles discourage tourists because they are no longer eager to visit the country. Negative publicity has also contributed towards the decline in the number of tourists coming to Zimbabwe,” said Mzembi.
The charismatic minister has in the past been blamed by party hawks for being too smart in his political career. Party stalwarts feel Mzembi is too professional in his approach towards political issues.
He also blamed the poor road networks for further discouraging tourists.
“There is need to improve our road network system so that we can attract more tourists -otherwise we will continue to experience a sharp decrease in the number of foreigners who visit our country. These are some of the areas we have been overlooking,” said Mzembi.