THE Zimbabwe Council of Tourism (ZCT) has re-branded and morphed into the Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe (TBCZ) a move that is expected to see the Travel and Tourism representative board broadening its scope and grow the tourism industry.

The ZCT was formed in 1988, with the objective of championing interests of tourism players through the creation of an environment in which it is possible for operators to maintain and grow their businesses for the benefit of the economy.

In a statement to the media after commemorating 30 years of existence, TBCZ president Mr Tich Hwingwiri said the change and re-branding was key as the organisation seeks to refocus and gear for challenges of the next 30 years.

Zimbabwe's tourism industry has been enjoying a

purple patch since November last year due to the positive perception the country has had since the coming into power of the new dispensation led by President Mnangagwa.

"At the weekend just gone, the Zimbabwe Council for Tourism celebrated its 30th anniversary, marking three active decades of service to the travel and tourism sector and to the nation as a whole.

"We took the opportunity of this event not only to celebrate this achievement but also to lay the foundation for our next 30 years with the change of name to the Tourism Business Council for Zimbabwe," said Mr Hwingwiri.

"Since that time (formation), the ZCT has undertaken a vast portfolio of work and has achieved enormous success in many areas," he said.

Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Prisca Mupfumira said the tourism sector has in the past year begun to show signs of recovery after 18 years of regression and that Government's hope was that TBCZ will leverage on the good will to foster successful recovery and growth of the sector.

She said Government has over the years enjoyed a good working relationship with the Travel and Tourism lobby group and hope was this will continue into the future.

"The Zimbabwe Council for Tourism has been an active and valuable leader, service provider and partner throughout these past three decades, working with a range of individuals and organisations in Zimbabwe, in the region and, indeed, all over the world to further the interests of Zimbabwe's travel and tourism operators," said Minister Mupfumira.

"I and all my predecessors have valued and enjoyed the relationship we have had with the leadership of ZCT, and the spirit of co-operation and mutual support that has been the hallmark of this relationship.