Sidumisile Mabena
Nqobile Bhebhe
CABINET has approved a sweeping plan to accelerate tourism development in Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands, in a move set to unlock investment, modernise infrastructure and position the scenic corridor as a leading tourism hub.
The Plan for the Targeted Development of Tourism Attractions in the Eastern Highlands was presented by Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi and forms part of the Second Republic’s broader economic transformation agenda.
Announcing the decision during a post-Cabinet briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Zhemu Soda said the initiative is designed to fully harness the region’s vast tourism potential.
“The Plan seeks to develop targeted tourism attractions in the Eastern Highlands corridor, which the Second Republic has identified as a tourism-designated zone with significant potential for tourism development,” he said.
The approval comes at a time when Zimbabwe’s tourism sector is on a recovery path, with Government reporting a 10 percent increase in tourism receipts and a six percent contribution to Gross Domestic Product.
Dr Soda said the Government is implementing a cluster-based tourism strategy to diversify offerings and strengthen competitiveness across provinces. These clusters include Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism, sports tourism, culture and heritage tourism, as well as agro-tourism.
He said the approach aligns with the country’s devolution and decentralisation policy, ensuring that provinces maximise the use of their unique tourism and heritage resources.
Government has already made notable investments in the Eastern Highlands, including hosting the 2025 Sanganayi/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi Tourism Expo in Manicaland Province. The province has since seen infrastructure upgrades such as road rehabilitation, refurbishment of hot springs and improvements to sports facilities.
Key projects include developments at Mutare Sports Club and the expansion of Grand Reef Airport.
The newly approved plan will now focus on high-potential tourism nodes including Nyanga, Mutare, Vumba, Chipinge and Chimanimani.
“These nodes provide a strong foundation for transformation, enabling the sector to leverage the zone’s internationally recognised strengths in eco-tourism, adventure tourism, agro-tourism, and culture and heritage tourism,” said Dr Soda.
He added that the zonal development approach will ensure each district capitalises on its unique tourism assets and comparative advantages.
Government expects the plan to stimulate local economic development, enhance community participation and create sustainable employment opportunities.
“Coordinated investment in iconic tourism products within the Eastern Highlands will enhance destination competitiveness, attract higher-value visitors and increase tourism earnings,” said Dr Soda.
derick.khumalo