Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
Zimbabwe has reaffirmed its commitment to tourist satisfaction and destination excellence in line with the foreign policy mantra of “friend to all and enemy to none”, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi has said.
She said this after meeting a delegation of South African tourists led by seasoned traveller Mr George Van Deventer of Trans Africa Self Drive Adventures and Tours, who are touring the country with a view to promoting Destination Zimbabwe.
During the engagement, Minister Rwodzi apologised for inconveniences encountered by the delegation after a misunderstanding with the police over traffic regulations. She said it was Government’s position that tourists should enjoy seamless and disturbance-free experiences while in the country.
She said Zimbabwe remains open, welcoming and committed to addressing challenges that may affect visitors, in line with the country’s tourism policy and its long-standing diplomatic ethos of being “a friend to all and an enemy to none”.
Despite the challenges experienced, the delegation commended Zimbabwe for taking tourism development seriously, applauding the country’s hospitality and the efficient systems at the Beitbridge Border Post, which they said ensured a smooth and welcoming entry process.
Mr Van Deventer and his team described Zimbabwe as the crown jewel of tourism in the Southern African Development Community region, citing its peaceful environment, warm-hearted and cheerful people, and breathtaking natural attractions.
They expressed gratitude for the reception they received and said Zimbabwe’s tourism story remains positive and resilient, deserving wider global exposure. “If you think Zimbabwe is not serious about tourism, think again. Minister Barbara, we were so humbled by our visit today. Even me, I am now Zimbho now. I have learnt something here to say, ‘Zimbho’,” he said.
“And what they did for us today, they will do for anyone coming to Zimbabwe. The message we got today is that Zimbabwe is open for business and is friend to all and enemy to none. The experiences we have had here are worth sharing with the world. Zimbabwe is a destination that more tourists should come and experience for themselves.”
Minister Rwodzi said her ministry stands ready to support all tourists when they face any challenges.
“Domestic tourists, we love you so much; international tourists, we love you so much. Just reach out to us and we are ready to assist,” she said.
The South African team is in the country promoting Zimbabwe as a preferred self-drive and adventure tourism destination.
Minister Rwodzi was accompanied at the meeting by Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Misheck Mugadza and Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) chief executive officer Dr George Manyaya.
The engagement comes as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to position itself as a premier tourism destination, focusing on service excellence, improved border efficiencies and positive visitor experiences to drive arrivals and sector growth.
