THE Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) board has appointed communications strategist and academic George Manyaya as its new chief executive officer, effective February 1.
In a statement yesterday, the board said Manyaya brings “strong academic credentials, strategic leadership and extensive multisectoral experience” to the helm of the country’s tourism marketing and regulatory body.
“Manyaya brings strong academic credentials, strategic leadership and extensive multisectoral experience that position him well to lead the Authority in advancing Zimbabwe’s tourism development agenda,” the board said.
The board highlighted Manyaya’s academic pedigree, noting that he holds a Doctorate in Business Management, a Master of Science in International Relations degree, a Master’s degree in Strategic Management and Corporate Governance, and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management.
“He also holds professional qualifications in Mass Communication, Diplomacy and Regulation, further strengthening his leadership profile in strategic communication, stakeholder engagement and policy execution”.
It added that Manyaya’s career spans several tourism-enabling sectors critical to national development, giving him a broad understanding of the linkages between tourism, infrastructure and investment.
“He has served across key tourism-enabling sectors including aviation, transport, telecommunications, energy, mining, banking and within the United Nations system (IOM), gaining deep insight into tourism development, infrastructure expansion, investment mobilisation and stakeholder coordination,” the board said.
Manyaya joins ZTA from Zesa Holdings, where he was general manager responsible for marketing, communications and stakeholder relations.
The board also highlighted his governance experience, noting that he has served on several boards in both the public and private sectors.
“He currently serves as chairman of the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara), where he has led successful rebranding, governance and modernisation initiatives,” the announcement said.
Manyaya has also previously been appointed a Tourism Brand Ambassador and served on the organising committee of the 2013 United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly, which was successfully co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Zambia.
According to the board, his mandate will focus on strengthening Zimbabwe’s competitiveness on the global tourism market while ensuring sustainable growth of the sector.
The appointment comes at a time when tourism is being positioned as a key pillar of economic growth, foreign currency generation and employment creation under the government’s development agenda.