Zimbabwe’s tourism minister has revealed plans to build a US$300m (£193.3m, €224.2m) entertainment complex near Victoria Falls.

The country has had a notorious reputation in recent years following an economic collapse, civil unrest and political controversy surrounding Robert Mugabe, and the Ministry for Tourism is looking to ‘rebrand’ peoples' perception of the country.

Tourism and hospitality minister, Walter Mzembi, said that the complex would become Zimbabwe’s top tourist attraction.

Mzembi revealed plans for shopping malls, banks, and exhibition and entertainment facilities including a casino.

“We have reserved 1,200 hectares (2,965 acres) of land closer to Victoria Falls to build hotels and convention centres”, said Mzembi speaking at the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNTWO) general assembly.

The government is also planning to invest US$150m (£96.6m, €112m) in expanding the nearby airport to accommodate larger aircrafts.

The UNWTO has come under fire for holding its general assembly in Zimbabwe, with critics saying the move validates the Mugabe regime.