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Liberty Dube
Tourism Correspondent
THE reviewing of the National Tourism Policy to ensure that the sector makes meaningful contributions towards the attainment of Vision 2030 has been embraced by tourism players in Manicaland.
The current National Tourism Policy was crafted in 2014 and had outlasted its lifespan by four years.
The new policy seeks to take into consideration critical issues from the grassroots, communities and stakeholders as they are the custodians of the resources.
Under National Development Strategy (NDS1), the tourism sector is expected to turn-around its fortunes, riding on its resilience and low investment requirements.
Through the implementation of NDS1, the sector’s contribution to national GDP is expected to increase from 1,1 percent in 2020 to five percent by 2025.
Tourism players and stakeholders interviewed on the sidelines of the NTP review workshop held at a local hotel recently urged Government to formulate a policy framework that promotes cultural tourism from grassroots level.
The Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry is doing countrywide consultations, gathering input towards the review of the National Tourism Policy and were recently in Manicaland meeting tourism players and stakeholders.
The players urged Government and other stakeholders to tap into the country’s rich cultural diversity to attract foreign and local tourists.
The recently elected Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) Manicaland president, Mr Adonis Mutigwe said it is critical for locals to start appreciating what they have first before visitors do.
“It is worrying that sometimes we as locals fail to appreciate what we have and the visitors come do that for us. Some locals don’t know scenic sites such as Vumba Mountains, Mutarazi Falls, the Zipline as well as the Skywalk and Nyachowa Falls.
“Everything should start in our communities to the top. The communities should play a role in promoting community-based tourism which ensures that locals make their own decisions and keep the money within their community until we become self-reliant,” he said.
Tourism player and Montclair Hotel and Casino general manager, Mr Brian Nyakutombwa said: “We are excited to be part of this and we appreciate that the our parent ministry has reached out to Manicaland players to contribute to the review of the policy as the province is a critical player.
‘‘The policy should tackle infrastructure development. The roads that lead to various tourist sites as well as the accommodation facilities need constant attention.
“The rehabilitation or erection of telecommunication systems is also key in facilitating the movement of tourists. These are key issues and we still have a lot to do. Some of the tarred roads may be fine, but feeder roads that lead to the sites need to be attended to.
“Various forms of tourism which include cultural tourism should also be taken into consideration. Cultures that are predominant in particular areas in Manicaland and around the country should be used to wow local and foreign tourists through festivals, among other things.
“Communities should be encouraged to be creative and come together and promote different culture which include types of dressing, food, languages and other things that reflect a certain community’s culture.”
Tourism expert and Mutare Museums and Monuments marketing and public relations officer, Mr Lloyd Makonya said: “The NTP review is a welcome development and we appreciate what the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry is doing.
“The policy should be in sync with NDS1 and other policies. As tourism players, we are not supposed to be not limited geographically as we contribute to issues that will improve tourism at a national level.”
ln his speech, the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry permanent secretary, Ambassador Raphael Tayerera Faranisi said the review of the NTP is critical and overdue.
“As we undertake our review process, we should also be mindful of issues to do with climate change, pandemics, climate proofing the tourism sector, greening the tourism sector, sustainable tourism development, gender mainstreaming, as well as women and youths’ participation in tourism related activities.
“The digital age has also brought about a new dimension in the way we are doing our businesses, therefore it is critical to cope with the changing environments.
“Tourism is one of the critical pillars for socio-economic growth of the nation. It brings in foreign currency, creates employment and attracts both local and foreign investors,” said Ambassador Faranisi.
Online Reporter