Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe Zimpapers Business Hub
The Thematic Committee on Culture and Heritage, in collaboration with the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Tourism and Hospitality Industry, has embarked on an intensive nationwide tour of key national monuments and heritage sites.
This is part of a high-level fact-finding mission aimed at assessing the state and potential of Zimbabwe’s cultural landmarks.
The week-long mission, which began on Tuesday and runs through to Sunday, will see lawmakers visiting key cultural and natural landmark sites including Dlodlo Ruins in Shangani, Matobo National Park, Khami Ruins, Chinhoyi Caves, Great Zimbabwe and Mutarazi Falls.
According to Parliament, the initiative was prompted by the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) presentation, which noted concerns around the condition and upkeep of several historical sites.
The primary objectives of the tour are to assess the condition of National Monuments and Heritage Sites as potential tourism destinations and ensure that these cultural heritage sites are preserved according to both National and International standards.
The committees will also examine the utilisation of public funds allocated for the upkeep and development of these sites.
Added to that they aim to identify opportunities to bolster cultural tourism as a catalyst for economic development and to gather critical on-the-ground insights to inform robust policy formulation and legislative enhancements in the sectors of culture, heritage and tourism.
Cultural tourism is recognised as a key pillar in Zimbabwe’s broader tourism recovery plan under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
This mission forms part of wider efforts by Government to reposition Zimbabwe as a premier tourism destination in the region, leveraging its rich cultural legacy, pristine landscapes and historical landmarks.
