Billionaire businessman, who co-owns Manchester United, reveals his Zimbabwe love affair
Billionaire businessman Sir Jim Ratcliffe has a secret he has kept under wraps for years – HE LOVES ZIMBABWE.
And, he says the reasons for the love affair are simple – the locals are very friendly, the hospitality is mind-blowing, the weather is perfect and the nature is amazing.
And, of course, he says the coffee is excellent.
The NINTH richest person in the UK, whose other portfolio as the co-owner of English football giants Manchester United has given him a massive global profile, turned 74 yesterday. And, his love for Zimbabwe saw him choose Victoria Falls as the best resort for his celebrations.
The billionaire businessman, worth a staggering £15,194 billion, described Zimbabwe as a special destination, highlighting its wildlife, Victoria Falls and the friendliness of its people.
“I think Zimbabwe is a magnificent place, it’s full of friendly people, it’s very safe, it’s got two magnificent national parks, the only two I know, 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.
It’s not the first time that Sir Jim has come here after being wooed by the magical wonders of this country. He canoed along a stretch of the Zambezi River about a decade 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 10 years ago,” he said.
The grand party for the billionaire businessman will not end at the country’s premier tourism resort.
It will roll into the Hwange National Park and then end at Mana Pools, which will be the final leg of an eight-day stay enjoying the magic of this country.
“From here we are going to Hwange. I think we are going to be there for about three nights and then, after that, Mana Pools,” he said.
Yesterday, Sir Jim started his birthday celebrations with a round of golf at the Elephant Hills golf course.
He gave Zimbabwe’s hospitality a rating of 10 out of 10, citing the friendliness of the people and the quality of the coffee.
“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.
The founder of global chemicals company INEOS, Sir Jim arrived at Victoria Falls International Airport on Saturday ahead of his birthday celebrations yesterday.
“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,” he said.
“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.
“Elephant Hills Golf Course is marvellous, 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.
“The scenery was magnificent, it’s very quiet, there are not many people here and the people we did meet were very courteous and friendly.
“And, then, thirdly of course, you have got animals on the golf course, so you have got impala and warthog and bush buck and it’s just, you know, one with nature, really so thoroughly enjoyable and I made a few putts.”
Sir Jim thanked Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi for the welcome extended to him during his stay.
“I want to say to the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry (Barbara Rwodzi), it’s very kind of you to send this gentleman over to ask how we’re getting on in Zimbabwe,” he said. *_-H-Metro_*
