Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Prisca Mupfumira told the media in Victoria Falls last week that among potential investors that had responded to the Government’s call for partners in infrastructure development under the Zimbabwe is open for business mantra, was an interest in bringing the Grand Prix to Zimbabwe.
“We are currently going through proposals. We are looking at having a theme park because activities are limited in Victoria Falls. People have sent their proposals and there is also sports tourism included. Somebody is interested in bringing the Grand Prix to Victoria Falls,” said Minister Mupfumira.
The Grand Prix is held as an international sport in many countries and involves a series of motor-racing or motorcycling contests under international rules.
Government is planning to turn Victoria Falls into its conference capital with state-of-the-art facilities ranging from five to seven star hotels, recreational, banking and sporting facilities.
The Government has since courted some investors with China expressing interest.
The Victoria Falls local authority has also invited investors to partner it in building a one-stop sports facility in the resort town as efforts to develop sports tourism gather momentum.
Minister Mupfumira said work on the ground on some of the infrastructure could start soon once investors are approved.
The Zimbabwe Rugby Union has already engaged council to upgrade Chinotimba Stadium into a multi disciplinary sport facility to be able to host various activities, including the Kwese Sevens Rugby tournament.
Zimbabwe Cricket was allocated land to construct a 10 000-seater stadium in Victoria Falls about four years ago, although nothing has materialised.
All efforts are aimed at developing sport tourism and bringing world events to Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls is one of the world’s most preferred destinations but has failed to attract world sporting events because of lack of infrastructure.
In August last year, World Chess Federation president Kirsan Nikolayevich IIyumzhinov said Zimbabwe was likely to host the Chess World Cup in 2021.
Source: Investor keen to bring Grand Prix to Victoria Falls (07/05/18)
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (9th May 2018) Investor keen to bring Grand Prix to Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (2nd June 2018) Huge Boost for Vic Falls As UAE Investors to Build World Class Hospital, Motor Racing Course, Shopping Mall and a Hotel.
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (30th July 2018) Vic Falls’ $1.2 bn project takes shape.
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (27th September 2018) Construction of Grand Prix circuit in Vic Falls to go ahead.
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (4th June 2019) Vic Falls Grand Prix arena to boost tourism.
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (29th January 2020) New Vic Falls sporting facility a boom for sports tourism.
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (7th July 2021) Victoria Falls F1 circuit construction reaches major milestone.
Victoria Falls Falls Bits and Blogs (13th October 2022) Why a Formula One racetrack in Zimbabwe is a pipe dream.
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (16th October 2022) Victoria Falls F1-grade racecourse plans halted by High Court.
Read more on the Keep Victoria Falls Wild website.
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