Manchester United Co-Owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe Celebrates Birthday in Victoria Falls, Boosting Minister Rwodzi’s Sports Tourism Vision

British billionaire and Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has chosen Zimbabwe’s premier tourism capital to celebrate his birthday, offering a monumental endorsement of the country’s growing appeal as a multi-faceted travel hub.

Arriving in Victoria Falls just ahead of his special day, the INEOS founder and football executive spent his birthday enjoying a round of golf at the resort town’s scenic course. Following a warm reception coordinated by the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Sir Ratcliffe lauded the country’s natural beauty, safety, and remarkable hospitality.

“Zimbabwe is a magnificent place, it’s full of friendly people, it’s very safe… Nobody would ever forget going to Victoria Falls,” Sir Jim shared during his excursion.

Sir Ratcliffe’s high-profile birthday golf getaway serves as a massive validation for the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, led by Minister Barbara Rwodzi. Under Minister Rwodzi’s leadership, the government has aggressively championed a tourism diversification model designed to expand the sector far beyond traditional wildlife viewing into dynamic clusters like gastronomy, cultural, adventure, and sports tourism.

By seamlessly blending leisure, iconic natural wonders, and world-class sporting activities like golf, Sir Ratcliffe’s visit exemplifies the exact kind of high-value sports tourism cluster that Minister Rwodzi has been actively pushing to position Zimbabwe on the global map.

An avid outdoor enthusiast, Sir Ratcliffe noted that his trip encompasses a rich exploration of Zimbabwe’s diverse landscapes:

• Hwange National Park for a multi-day wildlife experience.
• Mana Pools down the Zambezi River, where he reminisced about his past canoeing expeditions.

With global figures like the Manchester United co-owner spotlighting the nation’s adventure and sports offerings, Minister Rwodzi’s strategic vision for tourism diversification continues to gain powerful international momentum.