Zimbabwe proposes R3bn “Disney-style theme park” at Victoria Falls

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Zimbabwe plans to build "Disneyland in Africa" at the world famous Victoria Falls to boost tourism, according to new plans unveiled by the Zimbabwean government. Zimbabwe plans to build "Disneyland in Africa" at the world famous Victoria Falls to boost tourism, according to new plans unveiled by the Zimbabwean government.

Zimbabwe plans to build "Disneyland in Africa" at the world famous Victoria Falls to boost tourism, according to new plans unveiled by the Zimbabwean government.

Zimbabwe’s tourism and hospitality minister, Walter Mzembi, outlined proposals to spend R3 billion ($300m, £193m) on a massive resort and entertainment complex near Victoria Falls.

The scheme would be a flagship for rebuilding Zimbabwe’s tourism economy, which has collapsed during the political instability of the last decade.

The idea for the development were announced by Mr. Mzembi, on the sidelines of the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) general assembly, which Zimbabwe is co-hosting with the town of Livingstone in neighbouring Zambia.

Mzembi, speaking to reporters, said: "We think it should be modelled along the size and the kind of vision that is on Disneyland, including hotels, entertainment parks, restaurants and conferencing facilities."

The transport hub is also in line for a major refurbishment in a bid to woo bigger aircraft to the area. The Zimbabwean government already has plans to expand the Victoria Falls airport, saying it will invest about $150m in the project.

A 1,200-hectare site has been earmarked for the development near what has long been the country’s top tourist attraction. Victoria Falls, where the Zambezi river plunges 108m downwards along the Zambia-Zimbabwe border, is regularly touted as one of the seven wonders of the world.

Mzembi described Zimbabwe as a 'sleeping giant' in terms of its potential to attract new visitors. "It's a wake-up call for us...we must build a new tourism facility with an impact," he said.

Over the past decade, Zimbabwe recorded the world's highest inflation with its economy in virtual collapse. However, a power-sharing deal reached after an acrimonious election in 2008 helped to stabilise the economy.

The conflict and a crushed economy have seen Africa's 'breadbasket' struggle to attract visitors. However, the recent elections, although still controversial, were considered relatively quiet and tourism has already risen by 17 per cent in the first three months of this year.

The theme park plans have attracted criticism from Political commentators and African travel experts.

“Bizarre” describes the main response from commentators to Zimbabwe’s proposed Disneyland-by-Zambezi.

The country has more most pressing needs than a theme park, a political analyst, Clifford Mashiri, told SW Radio Africa.

When much of the Zimbabwean population lacks access to basic amenities, such as water and electricity, the plan is “crazy” and “just [an attempt] to divert attention” from Mugabe’s political failings, Mashiri said.

The theme park is spectacularly misguided in another sense, according to one Africa travel expert.

"It would be like building a casino beside the pyramids," Lisa Grainger told the Telegraph.

"The reason people visit the falls is because it's unspoiled and natural; it's a glorious part of the Earth. Not because they want to buy candy-floss and be immersed in an American-style theme park."

Skepticism aside, the money being pumped into Zimbabwe tells another story.

Work began this year on a $150 million upgrade of Victoria Falls airport -- including a new runway, control tower and terminal building -- courtesy of a loan from the Export-Import Bank of China.

Another huge project in the works is a $70 million Mall of Zimbabwe.


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