Rutendo Nyeve [email protected]
BRITISH billionaire and co-owner of Manchester United, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has chosen Zimbabwe as the destination to celebrate his 74th birthday, marking a significant endorsement of the country’s tourism sector.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe arrived in Victoria Falls on Saturday ahead of his birthday celebrations on Sunday, where he teed off at the prestigious Elephant Hills Golf Course, describing the experience as magnificent.
The visit forms part of an eight-day stay in Zimbabwe which will see the prominent businessman tour Hwange National Park and Mana Pools, two of the country’s most renowned wildlife destinations.
Speaking shortly after his morning round at Elephant Hills on Sunday, an elated Sir Jim Ratcliffe expressed his deep appreciation for Zimbabwe’s natural beauty and hospitality.
“It is my birthday today, and we have chosen Zimbabwe for my birthday, and it’s been a glorious golf course, the people have been lovely, the weather’s fantastic. Apart from one tree which I hit with my golf ball, the morning has been wonderful and we are now following this with Hwange and then Mana Pools,” he said.
The billionaire, who is also the founder of INEOS, praised the golf course and its unique setting.
“Elephant Hills Golf course is marvelous it’s been thoroughly enjoyable and the nice thing about golf is it takes you to some really interesting places some really nice courses but this is very special because the trees are magnificent and I love nature and trees.
The scenery was magnificent, it’s very quiet, there are not many people here and the people we did meet were very courteous and friendly, and then thirdly of course you have got animals on the golf course so you have got impala and warthog and bush buck and it’s just you know one with nature, really so thoroughly enjoyable and I made a few putts so I’m always happy if I make a few putts,” he said.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe rated Zimbabwe’s hospitality a perfect ten, highlighting the warmth of the local people.
“In terms of hospitality, so far 10 out of 10 they can’t be more friendly, the coffee is good in fact the coffee is excellent here actually and again friendly faces everywhere so yeah hospitality’s been excellent. That’s why I love Zimbabwe,” he said.
The British billionaire also reflected on his past adventures in Zimbabwe, recalling a canoeing expedition down the Zambezi River.
“From here we are going to Hwange. I think we are going to be there for about three nights and then, after that, Mana Pools. Many years ago, I canoed down the Zambezi, 80 or 100 kilometres down the river in a canoe which was quite exciting I have to say but that was some years ago, that was 10 years ago,” he said.
Describing Zimbabwe as a magnificent place, Sir Jim emphasised the country’s appeal as a safe and welcoming destination.
“I think Zimbabwe is a magnificent place, it’s full of friendly people, it’s very safe, it’s got two, the only two I know, magnificent national parks, Hwange and Mana Pools. And of course you have got Victoria Falls, which is one of the wonders of the world, and nobody would ever forget going to Victoria Falls because it’s such a magnificent site. A special place, a very good place,” he said.
The high-profile visitor also acknowledged the warm reception extended by the government.
“I want to say to the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, it’s very kind of you to send this gentleman over to ask how we’re getting on in Zimbabwe,” Sir Jim Ratcliffe said.
Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi, dispatched a dedicated team to ensure Sir Jim Ratcliffe received a warm Zimbabwean welcome throughout his stay.
The visit by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, one of Britain’s wealthiest individuals with a net worth estimated at over US$15 billion, represents a major boost for Destination Zimbabwe and is expected to generate significant international media exposure for the country’s tourism offerings.
