Tourism renaissance: National Tourism Policy paves way for US$5 billion economy

Good morning, everyone!
Welcome to our live coverage of a pivotal event in Zimbabwe’s tourism sector!
Today, President Emmerson Mnangagwa will unveil the National Tourism Policy at State House in Harare, a transformative initiative aimed at positioning Zimbabwe as a premier global destination.
This strategic blueprint seeks to propel the tourism industry towards a remarkable US$5 billion economy by 2025.
The policy presents a comprehensive framework for sustainable development, focusing on enhancing visitor experiences, attracting investment, and celebrating Zimbabwe’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
Key areas of emphasis include infrastructure development, marketing strategies, environmental conservation, and community engagement.
Stay tuned as our Reporter, Zvamaida Murwira, brings you live updates and insights from this significant event, which promises to shape the future of tourism in Zimbabwe.

Policy reaffirms Government’s commitment to developing sector: Tourism Minister

In an exclusive interview with Zimpapers, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi said the policy marks a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s economic growth agenda.

“His Excellency, President Mnangagwa, will officially launch the Tourism Policy today, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to making tourism a pillar of our economy,” she said.

The policy is set to be a game-changer for the tourism sector as it will provide a clear roadmap for sustainable growth, job creation and increased foreign currency earnings.

The National Tourism Policy is a strategic document that sets out the Government’s vision for the sector over the next decade.

National Tourism Policy expected deliverables

 Sustainable Tourism Development: Promote practices that protect the environment and preserve cultural heritage while enhancing the tourism experience.
 Economic Growth: Drive the tourism sector towards achieving a US$5 billion economy by 2025 through increased visitor numbers and spending.
 Infrastructure Improvement: Develop and upgrade necessary infrastructure, such as transport, accommodation, and attractions, to support a thriving tourism industry.
 Investment Promotion: Attract both local and foreign investment in tourism-related projects to boost economic activity and job creation.
 Enhanced Visitor Experience: Improve the quality of services and experiences offered to tourists, ensuring they leave with lasting positive impressions of Zimbabwe.
 Community Involvement: Engage local communities in tourism activities, ensuring they benefit from tourism development and play a role in preserving their cultural and natural assets.
 Marketing and Branding: Strengthen marketing strategies to effectively promote Zimbabwe as a top-tier travel destination on the global stage.
 Environmental Conservation: Implement strategies that safeguard Zimbabwe’s unique ecosystems and wildlife, ensuring sustainable tourism practices are followed.

All now set for Tourism Policy Launch

All is now set for the launch of the Tourism and Hospitality Industry Policy that will give guidelines for tourism development through promotion of investment anchored on the country’s rich endowment in natural resources.

The policy to be launched by President Mnangagwa at State House today give impetus to the Government drive to grow the economy with tourism as one of the integral pillar to attain an upper middle class income economy as envisaged by the National Development Strategy 1.

Today’s event is expected to be attended by Cabinet Ministers, stakeholders in the tourism industry that include Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Zimbabwe Council of Tourism, safari operators among others.

The Policy will provide a comprehensive framework for sustainable tourism development, outline key strategies to enhance visitor experiences.

It will also provide guidelines on infrastructure development, marketing environmental conservation and community involvement in tourism activities.

One of the objective of the policy is to provide roadmap for sustainable growth, job creation and increased foreign currency earnings.

It is envisaged to spell out Government’s vision on the tourism sector for the next decade.