Online Reporter
Zimbabwe is making a significant impact in global tourism markets, and few people looking for a good holiday are now unaware that those who have visited think very highly of what they have experienced.
The latest two awards came this week at ITB Berlin, the world’s leading travel and tourism exhibition for the past 60 years, and follow last year’s accolade from Forbes Magazine naming Zimbabwe the leading tourism destination.
The two new awards — the first ever won by Zimbabwe at ITB Berlin — were the Destination of the Year – Natural Wonder Award by the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association, and a personal award for Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi, who was named Tourism Minister of the Year from Africa.
The growing tourism industry is regarded as a pillar of the economic growth policies of the Second Republic since President Mnangagwa took office, forming part of the wider programme to make the best use of the nation’s natural resources — in Zimbabwe’s case, an impressive array of natural wonders.
While conservation has long been a critical national priority, with almost 30 percent of Zimbabwe’s land under some form of legal protection such as national parks, safari areas and recreational parks, other general laws also guide development to ensure the environment is not destroyed in the pursuit of wealth.
Zimbabwe has demonstrated that economic growth and environmental protection can co‑exist profitably.
In addition, the tourism industry and Government have set clear standards.
All tourism and hospitality facilities must be registered and meet defined requirements, ranging from basic restaurants and small family‑run hotels to major tourism complexes such as those around Victoria Falls.
These standards ensure that visitors know exactly what to expect for their money at each type of facility, and can be confident that even at the more modest end of the market there will be value for money, proper hygiene and other essential provisions in place.
The tourism industry has also created standards for specialised staff. For example, tour guides must have appropriate knowledge of the sites and experiences they present to visitors.
Tourists also benefit from the safe and secure environment that Zimbabweans themselves have insisted upon, which generally makes it easy to move around the country.
Headlines may highlight crime, but the actual rates — especially for violent crime — are very low by international standards.
Visitors are further benefiting from the Government’s commitment to upgrade, restore and develop modern infrastructure. Improved highways are opening up more areas and making it easier for tourists to explore beyond Victoria Falls — although it remains a fixture on virtually every “must‑see” list.
The many other remarkable attractions across the country become far more accessible when supported by decent airports and roads.
The Berlin award highlights natural wonders — in the plural — and it is this range and diversity that can transform a short visit into a richer, more enjoyable experience.
Minister Rwodzi, strongly supported by Tourism Patron First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, has been advocating for a broader range of experiences and attractions, which helps explain her personal recognition at ITB Berlin.
Tourism is considered a critical driver of accelerated development, offering opportunities not only for employment but also for investment.
The sector accommodates a wide spectrum of ventures, from specialist services and family‑run hotels and camps to large luxury establishments and high‑end facilities.
This creates significant space for Zimbabweans with the right skills and business knowledge to participate meaningfully — adding to the national pool of assets while securing a decent livelihood for themselves and their families.
Tourism strengthens the twin pillars of development: increasing overall national wealth while spreading the benefits among more people.
It is also important to remember that Zimbabweans are generally exceptionally friendly and tolerant. Owing to the country’s diversity, almost any tourist seeking to attend a religious service can find the church, mosque, temple or prayer hall they require and be assured of a warm welcome.
This same diversity means that restaurants are available to cater for almost any culinary preference, from traditional dishes to more exotic options — another advantage for visitors.
The awards received over the past two years are not only a tribute to the tourism and hospitality industry but to the nation as a whole.
They demonstrate that Zimbabwe is a welcoming country with rising standards — an excellent place to visit, where the natural wonders may attract people initially, but the overall experience keeps them coming back and leaves them with genuine affection for the country.
