Grab opportunities in tourism sector, youths told

Fungai Lupande

Mashonaland Central Bureau

YOUTHS should grab vast opportunities available in the tourism sector in Mashonaland Central Province through providing accommodation facilities, the provincial Secretary for State and Devolution Mr Timothy Maregere has said.

He said this after two young people from Chiweshe, Chiedza Christine Zembe and Delight Mutsvene, won the provincial innovation challenge through their project KwaNzvimbo Jumanji.

The pair, whose project aims to create a resort centre in Chiweshe to bridge the gap between modern and rural society, walked away with US$1 000 for their efforts.

At the awards ceremony, Mr Maregere was represented by director Local Governance Mr Cosmas Chiringa and said the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) required provinces to stimulate and promote innovation among youths.

“The Government is committed to the participation of the youths in the economy through innovation,” he said.

“In our province, innovation is important for positioning us as the creator of solutions to address both local and national challenges.

“This will contribute towards an upper middle-income economy by 2030 as enunciated by President Mnangagwa.”

Mr Maregere said the participation of youths in the innovation challenge would stimulate and promote innovation, and entrepreneurship in tourism products.

This year, the challenge attracted 181 entries compared to 30 last year.

Ms Zembe said the project will be implemented in Chiweshe and create employment opportunities for locals.

“This is a dream come true,” she said.

“When you have ideas, but don’t know what to do with them they die with you. We are excited about participating in the competition and winning the provincial challenge.

“We thank the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) for giving us a platform to share ideas that can boost the tourism sector.

“Panzvimbo Jumanji describes the thrill and intrigue of the place.

“The name is a marketing strategy.

“We have Chimhora caves which are near a dam and we want to put a village set-up to give people a feel of a rural homestead.

“We will introduce canoeing and other activities.”

Mr Mutsvene said they were optimistic of winning the national competitions and they were investing part of their prize money towards further developing their project.