Dorothy Sithole
Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter
TOURISM has become one of the fastest-growing sectors in Matabeleland North Province, emerging as a pillar of the economy and a bridge connecting the region to the world, Minister of State for Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo has said.
Speaking during the official opening of the 2nd UN Tourism Regional Congress on Women Empowerment in Tourism in Africa in Victoria Falls on Wednesday last week, Minister Moyo said the province’s natural endowments, including the iconic Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park and Binga’s lake and cultural heritage, among others, were driving inclusive growth and attracting global attention.
“Tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors in our province. It is a pillar of our economy, a source of pride for our communities, and a bridge that connects us to the world. From our majestic landscapes to our vibrant cultural traditions, tourism showcases the very soul of our province,” he said.
“It is true, heartbeat lies in the women who sustain it, women who welcome visitors with warmth, who preserve our heritage, who innovate in business and inspire future generations.”
The two-day congress is being held under the theme: Advancing from Empowerment to Leadership: Driving Structural Change in the Tourism Sector in Africa. Matabeleland North is home to some of Zimbabwe’s most treasured destinations.
Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
Hwange National Park, the country’s largest game reserve, boasts over 100 mammal species and is renowned for its elephant herds and lion prides.
Further north, the Binga district along Lake Kariba offers unique Tonga cultural experiences, tiger fishing and breathtaking sunsets, increasingly popular among adventure and eco-tourists.
In recent years, the province has seen significant investment in lodges, safari operators and hospitality training centres.
The Government has prioritised tourism infrastructure, including the refurbishment of the Victoria Falls International Airport and road upgrades linking Hwange and Binga.
Minister Moyo reaffirmed the province’s commitment to moving women from the margins to the centre of decision-making.
He said while women form the backbone of the tourism workforce, they remain under-represented in leadership.
“We are investing in training programmes that equip women with the skills to manage and lead. We are supporting women-owned enterprises that bring innovation and resilience to the tourism value chain. We are creating platforms where women’s voices are heard, respected and acted upon
“We are determined to ensure that the benefits of tourism reach every household, every community and every woman. Together, let us make tourism in Africa not only a driver of economic growth, but a beacon of women’s empowerment and leadership,” he said.
The congress, attended by UN Tourism officials, Government ministers, development partners, and industry captains, aims to forge actionable strategies to dismantle barriers and elevate African women into leadership roles across the tourism sector.
Sidumisile Mabena
Online Reporter