Zimbabwe set to build tourist centre at Victoria Falls

The Zimbabwean tourism industry is set to witness a major boost as the country's government could soon approve construction of a large new tourist centre at Victoria Falls.

According to AFP, the $18-million park will boast a replica Africa village and will use exhibits to tell the story of the waterfalls known locally as "Mosi oa-Tunya" (the smoke that thunders).

Said Dave Glynn, chairman of the developers Africa Albida Tourism of the site,

"It will be a giant village, African in design and style, showcasing village scenes, traditional customs and history, we are not building a zoo. We are not going to have animals in display cages and this is not a theme park. This is strictly to tell the story of Victoria Falls from the very beginning four million years ago through history, people, plants and wildlife"

He further added that the conservation awareness project is "to help reverse the terrifying rate of extinction of animal and bird species."

The park which is now awaiting final approval after an environmental impact study, is expected to open in 2017 and employ 150 people.

Victoria Falls, on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, is a UNESCO world heritage site, and is more than 2-kilometres wide.