PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has said the entry of Hyatt Regency brand is a vote of confidence in Zimbabwe and will help to grow the tourism sector to a US$5 billion industry.
Speaking at the opening of the Hyatt Regency Harare — The Meikles — in the capital yesterday, Mnangagwa said: “It [Hyatt’s entry] further attests, to confidence investors have in the immense potential of our nation, people, culture and hospitality industry.”
Mnangagwa said he had met Hyatt executives on the sidelines of a Zimbabwe Business and Investment Conference in the United Arab Emirates where the two parties discussed the numerous investment opportunities in Zimbabwe.
“Today, I am delighted to witness that the investment plan he outlined has come to fruition. The Hyatt Hotel chain team has shown faith in our vision as the second republic,” he said.
“The arrival of Hyatt Regency will undoubtedly contribute to our determination to achieve a US$5 billion tourism economy by 2025 and to accelerate the realisation of our national vision to become a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income society by 2030.”
Mnangagwa said the tourism and hospitality industry was a critical cog in the national development agenda, being the third largest contributor to the national GDP.
The President said the Hyatt Regency Harare Hotel was one of the facilities deemed suitable to host delegates attending the Sadc Summit in August this year.
Commenting on the opening, Hyatt group president Javier Aguila said they were thrilled to announce the first Hyatt-branded hotel in Zimbabwe.
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“This debut underscores our dedication to growing our brand footprint in new destinations, contributing to the growth and development of the country's tourism sector, while providing exceptional service and creating memorable moments for our World of Hyatt members and guests,” he said.
Hyatt Regency Harare — The Meikles — general manager Tinashe Munjoma said they were honoured to “ continue the legacy of this esteemed property and bring the renowned Hyatt Regency guest experience to the Zimbabwean market”.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation is headquartered in Chicago. As of March 31, 2024, the company's portfolio included more than 1 300 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 78 countries across six continents.
