Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, Zimpapers Writer
The City of Bulawayo has embarked on an ambitious city-wide data collection exercise, running from June 2 to July 25, 2025, to pave the way for the development of a Tourism and Hospitality Development Plan. This strategic push aims to transform the city into a competitive and sustainable tourism hub.
The survey will target a broad spectrum of players in the tourism and hospitality sector, including hotels, lodges, guest houses, bed and breakfasts (B&Bs), and event venues.
In a notice, Bulawayo Town Clerk, Mr Christopher Dube, stated that the exercise is designed to gather vital statistics and insights that will shape the city’s future tourism roadmap.
“The City of Bulawayo is undertaking comprehensive research to develop a Tourism and Hospitality Development Plan aimed at enhancing the sector’s growth and sustainability,” said Mr Dube.
Mr Dube further elaborated that as part of this exercise, the City will conduct a city-wide data collection exercise from June 2 to July 25 on key variables such as service offerings and amenities, visitor demographics and trends, City of Bulawayo permits, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority licences, Tourism Board affiliation, hospitality ratings, number of employees, number of rooms, types of rooms, prices of rooms, current capacity and occupancy rates, number of conference rooms, booking price, maximum capacity and occupancy rates, and details of tenants or owners.
He said the survey would provide a comprehensive snapshot of the sector’s operational landscape and enable the local authority to identify service gaps, monitor compliance, and strengthen Bulawayo’s digital tourism footprint. The survey will cover hospitality sector players, including hotels and lodges, bed & breakfasts (B&Bs), guest houses, and event venues, among others.
The local authority is urging all operators and stakeholders within the hospitality sector to participate fully in the exercise, as the results will directly influence policy direction, infrastructure investment, and the city’s tourism marketing efforts. This initiative will enable Bulawayo to effectively profile the sector for both domestic and international investors while aligning with national tourism strategies and digital platforms.
With its rich historical heritage, thriving arts and culture, and iconic landmarks such as the Bulawayo Railway Museum and the National Art Gallery, Bulawayo remains one of Zimbabwe’s most promising yet underexploited tourist destinations. As the city continues to strengthen its position as a regional business hub, the integration of commerce and culture is expected to become a key driver of sustainable economic growth, creating employment opportunities and stimulating local enterprise.
Business strategist, Mr Honest Ngwenya, commented that the move reflects a growing awareness among local authorities of tourism’s role in economic development.
“This kind of targeted data collection is critical. It signals that Bulawayo is serious about creating a business-friendly tourism environment.
“If used effectively, the data can help attract investors, improve service standards, and guide meaningful infrastructure development,” said Mr Ngwenya. He added that the city must also ensure the data informs tangible action plans.
“Too often, local authorities collect data that ends up shelved. What’s important now is implementation. The Tourism and Hospitality Development Plan must be practical, inclusive, and continuously reviewed based on feedback and measurable outcomes,” added Mr Ngwenya.
