Online Reporter
TOURISM and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi’s decision to welcome Zimbabweans returning home for the festive season and tourists visiting the country at Plumtree Border Post on Tuesday should be commended.
Cde Rwodzi as Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister is leading from the front and it is our fervent hope that those in the hospitality industry are complementing her efforts.
Zimbabwe was named the world’s best country to visit in 2025 by Forbes magazine so its not surprising that most of our hotels and lodges across the country are fully booked for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
We have said it before that Zimbabwe can only enjoy tourists repeat visits if those in the hospitality industry provide the best facilities and services.
In 2023 during the Festive Season Domestic Campaign-ZIMBHO, Minister Rwodzi urged tourism players to upgrade their facilities in line with global standards in order to attract more tourists and it is pleasing to note that many have taken heed.
Hotels, lodges, restaurants and tourists sites across the country are being upgraded and this is as it should be. The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) have through the ZIMBO campaign been encouraging Zimbabweans to visit the country’s tourist destinations and we hope many did so during this festive season.
Zimbabwe has many tourism products offered by the country’s tourism players which both local and international tourists can sample.
Zimbabweans including those in the diaspora should therefore take a lead in consuming local tourism products. Government has said it wants to see tourists spending more days in the country as they enjoy the country’s hospitality and upgraded facilities that meet international standards.
In order to promote domestic tourism, Government has urged players in the industry to come up with special packages for local tourists.
Domestic tourism has been neglected for a long time and there is therefore a need to go all out to promote it hence the call for favourable pricing models that will make tourism products affordable to locals.
Minister Rwodzi who has been on the ground at the country’s borders, said she is happy with the border officials’ professionalism and efficiency so we have no problem when it comes to welcoming our visitors. The challenge therefore is to ensure they do not just stay more days but that they come back next year.
Zimbabweans in the diaspora should also spend more days at the country’s tourist destinations and also return next year to enjoy the festive season at home.
