Manchester United Owner Jim Ratcliffe Rates Zimbabwe Hospitality 10/10 During His 74th Birthday Visit To Victoria Falls
British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe has given Zimbabwe’s hospitality a perfect 10/10 rating, praising the friendliness of locals during a visit to Victoria Falls, where he is celebrating his 74th birthday.
The Manchester United co-owner and INEOS founder arrived in the resort town on Saturday and is spending eight days exploring the country, with Hwange National Park and Mana Pools National Park among the destinations on his itinerary.
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Ratcliffe Praises Zimbabweans’ Warm Welcome
Speaking to The Chronicle, Ratcliffe said the welcome he had received had made a positive impression on him, adding that he had enjoyed everything from the interactions with locals to the coffee. He said the hospitality he had experienced since arriving in Zimbabwe deserved the highest possible rating.
“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.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi arranged for a dedicated team to check on the billionaire during his stay and ensure he received a warm welcome.
Ratcliffe acknowledged the gesture, thanking the minister for sending someone to find out how he was enjoying his visit.
“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,” he said.
Ratcliffe Describes Zimbabwe As A Special Place
Ratcliffe also spoke about the country’s broader appeal, pointing to its welcoming people, national parks and Victoria Falls as reasons it stands out as a destination.
He described the waterfall as one of the world’s great natural wonders and said visitors would remember seeing it.
“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.
Billionaire Spends Birthday On The Golf Course
Ratcliffe turned 74 on Sunday and celebrated the occasion with a round of golf at Elephant Hills Golf Course in Victoria Falls.
He said the experience was particularly enjoyable because of the course’s natural surroundings, describing the trees, peaceful atmosphere and wildlife as highlights.
The billionaire said players could encounter impala, warthogs and bushbuck while moving around the course, making it an unusual setting for a game of golf.
“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,” he said.
Ratcliffe added that the scenery and the friendly people he encountered had made the morning memorable. He joked that the only drawback was hitting a tree with his golf ball, although he was pleased to have made a few putts.
“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.
Hwange And Mana Pools Await
After his stay in Victoria Falls, Ratcliffe plans to travel to Hwange National Park, where he expects to spend approximately three nights, before continuing to Mana Pools.
The two parks are among Zimbabwe’s prominent wildlife destinations and form a major part of the country’s nature-based tourism offering.
Ratcliffe also revealed that he had visited the country before, recalling an adventure on the Zambezi River about 10 years ago.
“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.
His current itinerary combines golf with visits to wildlife areas, giving him another opportunity to experience Zimbabwe’s outdoor attractions.
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