The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority has appointed Dr. George Munyaradzi Manyaya as its new chief executive officer, the board announced this week, signaling a leadership transition at a time when the country is seeking to strengthen its position in the regional and global tourism market.
Dr. Manyaya will assume the role on Feb. 1, 2026.
The board said Dr. Manyaya brings a blend of academic credentials and cross-sector leadership experience to the post.
He holds a doctorate in business management, a master’s degree in international relations, a master’s in strategic management and corporate governance, and a bachelor’s degree in business management.
He also has professional qualifications in mass communication, diplomacy and regulation.
His career has spanned several sectors considered critical to tourism development, including aviation, transport, telecommunications, energy, mining and banking.
He has also worked within the United Nations system, including with the International Organization for Migration, gaining exposure to international development and stakeholder coordination.
Most recently, Dr. Manyaya served as general manager responsible for marketing, communications and stakeholder relations at ZESA Holdings, Zimbabwe’s power utility.
In that role, he oversaw corporate communications and engagement strategies in a sector central to infrastructure and national development.
He also chairs the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA), where he has led governance reforms, rebranding efforts and modernization initiatives, according to the ZTA board. Over the years, he has served on several public and private sector boards.
Dr. Manyaya is no stranger to the tourism industry. He was appointed a Tourism Brand Ambassador and served on the organizing committee of the 2013 United Nations World Tourism Organization General Assembly, which Zimbabwe co-hosted with Zambia.
The event was widely viewed as a milestone for the country’s tourism sector.
As chief executive, Dr. Manyaya will be tasked with positioning Zimbabwe as a competitive destination in a crowded global market.
His mandate includes driving tourism development, enforcing industry standards, strengthening tourism intelligence systems, coordinating public and private sector stakeholders and facilitating sustainable investment.
The appointment comes as Zimbabwe continues efforts to grow arrivals and attract investment amid broader economic reforms.
Tourism remains one of the country’s key foreign currency earners, anchored by attractions such as Victoria Falls, national parks and cultural heritage sites.
The board said it expects Dr. Manyaya’s strategic leadership and experience across infrastructure-linked sectors to help align tourism growth with national development priorities.
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