Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe in Masvingo
Zimbabwe is integrating tourism diplomacy into its foreign policy as a strategic weapon in the fight against poverty, with every international visitor expected to contribute directly to job creation, community development and infrastructure modernisation, International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira has said.
Speaking at the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe Tourism Investment Forum here, Prof Murwira said the country was deliberately repositioning its diplomatic machinery to attract tourists and investment while ensuring local communities benefited from international economic networks.
“We are integrating tourism diplomacy as a strategic weapon in our war against poverty. Under our foreign policy goal of promoting international tourism, we view every visitor arrival as a direct catalyst for local job creation, community development, and infrastructure modernization. True sustainability is achieved when global networks enrich local communities,” he said.
Prof Murwira said Government was using tourism investment to ensure that foreign capital generated broader economic benefits, particularly for communities surrounding major heritage and wildlife attractions.
“By directing international tourism investments into our rich heritage sites, from Victoria Falls to Great Zimbabwe and our pristine wildlife conservancies, we ensure that foreign capital builds a resilient domestic economy that leaves no one and no place behind,” he said.
He said the approach was anchored on the Government’s broader foreign policy thrust of sovereignty and prosperity, with tourism now formally recognised as one of the six pillars of Zimbabwe’s foreign policy framework.
“Under this visionary leadership, our foreign policy has been re-anchored on sovereignty and prosperity, with tourism formally codified as a pillar of our global engagement,” Prof Murwira said.
He said Zimbabwe’s embassies and consulates were being transformed into transaction-oriented economic hubs, with diplomats expected to market the country’s tourism attractions and facilitate investment.
“Our diplomats stand as proactive economic promoters, empowered through continuous retraining at the Zimbabwe Foreign Service Institute, and serving as the bridge that connects global capital directly to Zimbabwe’s tourism assets,” he said.
Prof Murwira said the strategy would help convert international relations into tangible economic opportunities for communities across the country.
