Zimbabwe appoints Dr. George Manyaya as new tourism board CEO to enhance global positioning

ZIMBABWE – The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) Board has appointed Dr. George Munyaradzi Manyaya as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective February 1, 2026.

The selection brings a leader with a unique cross-sectoral background to helm the national tourism body at a pivotal time for the country’s destination marketing and sectoral growth.

A Profile of Academic and Strategic Leadership

Dr. Manyaya brings an exceptional blend of academic credentials and high-level strategic experience to the role.

His educational background includes a Doctorate in Business Management, a Master of Science in International Relations, a Master’s in Strategic Management and Corporate Governance, and a Bachelor’s in Business Management, complemented by professional qualifications in Mass Communication and Diplomacy.

This foundation underpins a career spanning critical tourism-enabling sectors, including aviation, telecommunications, energy, mining, and banking, as well as experience with the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Proven Track Record in Marketing and Governance

Immediately prior to this appointment, Dr. Manyaya served as the General Manager for Marketing, Communications and Stakeholder Relations at ZESA Holdings, Zimbabwe’s state-owned power utility, where he led strategic branding and partner engagement.

He is also the sitting Chairman of the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA), where he has overseen a successful rebranding and governance modernization program.

His direct tourism sector credentials include being appointed a Tourism Brand Ambassador and serving on the Organising Committee for the 2013 UNWTO General Assembly, co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Mandate to Drive Competitive Destination Growth

As CEO, Dr. Manyaya’s core mandate will be to strategically position Zimbabwe as a competitive and attractive tourist destination globally.

His responsibilities will encompass driving tourism development, enforcing industry standards, managing tourism intelligence, and coordinating stakeholders across the public and private sectors to facilitate sustainable investment.

The ZTA Board expressed strong confidence that his leadership will provide renewed strategic direction, helping to consolidate recent gains, diversify source markets, and enhance overall product quality.

The appointment signals a intent to leverage sophisticated marketing and robust stakeholder management to accelerate tourism’s contribution to national economic goals, including employment and foreign exchange earnings.

Dr. Manyaya’s multidisciplinary experience is viewed as a key asset in navigating the complex ecosystem of tourism and aligning the sector’s numerous enabling industries—from transport to infrastructure—behind a unified national strategy.

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