Chronicle Editor
Melissa Mpofu
Next Friday, September 27, Zimbabwe will join the rest of the world in celebrating World Tourism Day. The date marks the anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Statutes in 1970, which established the organisation and recognised tourism as a vital global sector.
This year’s theme, “Tourism and Peace”, highlights the role of tourism in fostering understanding and harmony worldwide. However, instead of limiting the festivities to just one day, Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, has extended the celebration with a full Tourism Month.
At the launch of Tourism Month celebrations in Harare earlier this month, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Barbara Rwodzi underscored its importance, stating that the initiative aims to raise awareness about tourism’s significant role in Zimbabwe’s economic growth, job creation, and cultural exchange.
She also cited promising statistics, noting a 27% increase in international arrivals and a 24% rise in tourism receipts in the first half of 2024, emphasising the sector’s growing contribution to Zimbabwe’s economy.
“Zimbabwe has designated September as Tourism Month to highlight the importance of the sector through various activities leading up to the main World Tourism Day celebrations on September 27,” said Minister Rwodzi.
One of the major events during the month was the successful Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, held in Bulawayo from September 11 to 13, attracting both local and international participants who showcased their products and services.
Tomorrow, Lupane State University will host a Tourism Symposium, where experts will present papers exploring how tourism contributes to both national and global peace. Following the symposium, a sports tournament is set to take place on Saturday in Gokwe’s Kabuyani Constituency, promoting Sports Tourism.
Tourism Month will culminate in the main World Tourism Day celebration on September 27 at Gandavaroyi Gorge, a stunning yet lesser-known natural treasure located in Gokwe’s Gumunyu Constituency in the Midlands Province.
Online Reporter