Dr. George Manyaya Takes Over as New CEO of Zimbabwe Tourism Authority

The appointment of Dr. George Munyaradzi Manyaya as Chief Executive Officer has been announced by the Board of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA). According to a press release, the appointment is effective from 1 February 2026.

Dr. Manyaya takes the helm at a pivotal moment for Zimbabwe’s tourism sector, bringing a sophisticated blend of academic excellence and multi-sectoral leadership. A Doctorate holder in Business Management, he also possesses Master’s degrees in International Relations and Strategic Management, alongside professional credentials in Mass Communication and Diplomacy.

A Visionary Leader for a Global Destination

Dr. Manyaya’s career spans the essential pillars of the tourism ecosystem. His leadership experience across aviation, transport, telecommunications, energy, and the UN system (IOM) provides him with a 360-degree view of the infrastructure and investment needed to elevate Zimbabwe on the world stage.

He joins the ZTA from ZESA Holdings, where he served as General Manager of Marketing, Communications, and Stakeholder Relations. Notably, as Chairman of ZINARA, Dr. Manyaya successfully spearheaded major rebranding and modernization initiatives—skills that are directly transferable to the ZTA’s mission of digital and infrastructural evolution.

Proven Track Record in Tourism Diplomacy

This is a homecoming of sorts for Dr. Manyaya. He previously served as a Tourism Brand Ambassador and played a key role on the Organizing Committee for the 2013 UNWTO General Assembly, a landmark event co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Zambia.

The Road Ahead

In his new role, Dr. Manyaya is tasked with:

• Global Positioning: Enhancing Zimbabwe’s competitive edge as a must-visit destination.
• Standards & Quality: Driving industry excellence and enforcing world-class service standards.
• Sustainable Investment: Facilitating high-impact investments that fuel national growth.
• Stakeholder Synergy: Coordinating between public and private sectors to ensure a unified tourism strategy.

The ZTA Board expresses full confidence that Dr. Manyaya’s strategic depth and passion for “Brand Zimbabwe” will usher in a new era of growth and innovation for the nation’s tourism industry.