SYDNEY MUBAIWA
HARARE- The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has appointed veteran business executive, Dr. George Munyaradzi Manyaya as chief executive officer.
Dr. Manyaya is former Mbada Diamonds, ZESA executive and current chairman of the Zimbabwe National Administration (ZINARA).
The development was announced in a press statement released on Tuesday January 2026, outlining his mandate which includes positioning the country as a competitive tourist destination, driving tourism development and enforcing industry standards.
“The Board of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. George Munyaradzi Manyaya as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 February 2026.
“Dr. Manyaya brings strong academic credentials, strategic leadership, and extensive multisectoral experience.
“He holds a Doctorate in Business Management, a Master of Science in International Relations Degree, Masters Degree in Strategic Management and Corporate Governance and is a holder of a Bachelors Degree in Business Management.
“Furthermore he has professional qualifications in Mass Communication, Diplomacy and Regulation.
“He has served across key tourism-enabling sectors including aviation, transport, telecommunications, energy, mining, banking, and the United Nations system (IOM), gaining deep insight into tourism development, infrastructure, investment, and stakeholder coordination.
“A recognised marketing and communications strategist, Dr. Manyaya joins ZTA from ZESA Holdings, where he was General Manager responsible for Marketing, Communications, and Stakeholder Relations.
“He serves and has previously served on several boards in both the public and private sectors,” reads part of the statement.
Manyaya who is the chairman of ZINARA has led successful rebranding, governance, and modernisation initiatives.
“He was appointed Tourism Brand Ambassador and served on the Organising Committee of the 2013 UNWTO General Assembly, successfully co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Zambia.
“Dr. Manyaya’s mandate includes positioning Zimbabwe as a competitive tourist destination, driving tourism development, enforcing industry standards, generating tourism intelligence, coordinating stakeholders, and facilitating sustainable investment for national growth,” further reads the statement.
Manyaya takes over from William Stima who served on acting capacity since the resignation of Winnie Muchanyuka who departed after failing to resist pressure from Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbra Rwodzi in 2023.
Zimbabwe is internationally celebrated and recognised for its diverse and rich tourism offering, from the world- renowned Victoria Falls, the majestic Eastern Highlands and abundant wildlife to its cultural heritage and vibrant communities.
Manyaya’s appointment is expected to position the country in a highly competitive global tourism landscape setting a new tone for growth and innovation in the tourism sector.
Manyaya’s experience in different areas of the economy is a strategic thinker with strong leadership and communication skills, extensive knowledge of global tourism dynamics and emerging markets, and a demonstrable commitment to innovation, collaboration and public service excellence.
He is expected to champion digital transformation, strengthen tourism infrastructure development and introduce new approaches to enhance the competitiveness of the country’s tourism sector.
