Bulawayo spruces up tourist attractions

Published: 16 December 2013

THE City of Kings Business Ventures has spent over $80 000 towards the upgrading of its hospitality facilities and tourist attractions in the past two years as it seeks to consolidate its market niche in the country's tourism industry.

The City of Kings Business Venture was formed in 2006 through a Bulawayo City Council local business charter with its board of directors being appointed by the local authority. It was mainly formed to promote tourism and tourist related business in the city.

It operates the Caravan Park (chalets and campsite), Mzilikazi Art and Craft Centre, Mazwi and Umguza Nature Parks. City of Kings Business Venture general manager, Mr Moses Munthali, said upgrading and refurbishment work at its Bulawayo Caravan Park chalets and campsite as well as at the Mzilikazi Art and Craft Centre was still in progress.

"The status of our tourist attractions has improved in many places. At Bulawayo Caravan Park, the self-catering ensuite rooms have been refurbished to include bar fridges, a fully subscribed Digital Satellite Television (DSTV) and a kitchenette with mini breakfast.

"The campsite can now accommodate up to 2 000 tents and it also hosts garden weddings. We also intend to upgrade 16 chalet rooms into ensuite rooms and fully equip them with DSTV, bar fridges, kitchenette, new beds and linen and we hope to construct a fully equipped restaurant for booked clients and the general public," Mr Munthali said.

Last month the company reached a milestone when it got affiliated to the Southern Africa's Caravan and Camping Tourism Network and in the process launched its website to enable tourists to access the attractions and hospitality facilities it offers as well as facilitating online bookings.

"We have opened a retail shop at our Mzilikazi Art and Craft Centre for visiting tourists to sample and buy our various products and art pieces. The centre's garden has been redone to give aesthetic frontage to tourists. Directional signs leading to the centre have been repainted to give visibility.

A billboard has also been erected along Victoria Falls road next to the Motor Racing course to direct tourists from Victoria Falls to our Art and Craft Centre. Moreover, the centre is being promoted in our recently launched City of Kings Business Ventures website," Mr Munthali said.

He said through the assistance of Barclays Bank Bulawayo branch, the company managed to open a computer laboratory where artists are afforded an opportunity to link with other artists on the global village through internet as well as for research and marketing purposes.

Mr Munthali said the company was seeking a strategic partner for the resuscitation of Mazwi and Umguza Nature Parks.

"At Umguza, we intend to construct a conference centre and a lodge that blends with the environmental conservation thrust of the Nature Parks. Animals such as giraffes, zebras and kudus will be increased to allow visitors to enjoy nature and learn the beauty of environmental conservation.

Furthermore, plans are under way to create a game breeding venture as well as a tourist resort, horse riding and camping within the park," he said.
- Sunday News