Online Reporter
Good morning, everyone!
Welcome to our live coverage of a pivotal event in Zimbabwe’s tourism sector!
Today, President Emmerson Mnangagwa will unveil the National Tourism Policy at State House in Harare, a transformative initiative aimed at positioning Zimbabwe as a premier global destination.
This strategic blueprint seeks to propel the tourism industry towards a remarkable US$5 billion economy by 2025.
The policy presents a comprehensive framework for sustainable development, focusing on enhancing visitor experiences, attracting investment, and celebrating Zimbabwe’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
Key areas of emphasis include infrastructure development, marketing strategies, environmental conservation, and community engagement.
Stay tuned as our Reporter, Zvamaida Murwira, brings you live updates and insights from this significant event, which promises to shape the future of tourism in Zimbabwe.
Policy reaffirms Government’s commitment to developing sector: Tourism Minister
In an exclusive interview with Zimpapers, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi said the policy marks a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s economic growth agenda.
“His Excellency, President Mnangagwa, will officially launch the Tourism Policy today, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to making tourism a pillar of our economy,” she said.
The policy is set to be a game-changer for the tourism sector as it will provide a clear roadmap for sustainable growth, job creation and increased foreign currency earnings.
The National Tourism Policy is a strategic document that sets out the Government’s vision for the sector over the next decade.
National Tourism Policy expected deliverables
Sustainable Tourism Development: Promote practices that protect the environment and preserve cultural heritage while enhancing the tourism experience.
Economic Growth: Drive the tourism sector towards achieving a US$5 billion economy by 2025 through increased visitor numbers and spending.
Infrastructure Improvement: Develop and upgrade necessary infrastructure, such as transport, accommodation, and attractions, to support a thriving tourism industry.
Investment Promotion: Attract both local and foreign investment in tourism-related projects to boost economic activity and job creation.
Enhanced Visitor Experience: Improve the quality of services and experiences offered to tourists, ensuring they leave with lasting positive impressions of Zimbabwe.
Community Involvement: Engage local communities in tourism activities, ensuring they benefit from tourism development and play a role in preserving their cultural and natural assets.
Marketing and Branding: Strengthen marketing strategies to effectively promote Zimbabwe as a top-tier travel destination on the global stage.
Environmental Conservation: Implement strategies that safeguard Zimbabwe’s unique ecosystems and wildlife, ensuring sustainable tourism practices are followed.
All now set for Tourism Policy Launch
All is now set for the launch of the Tourism and Hospitality Industry Policy that will give guidelines for tourism development through promotion of investment anchored on the country’s rich endowment in natural resources.
The policy to be launched by President Mnangagwa at State House today give impetus to the Government drive to grow the economy with tourism as one of the integral pillar to attain an upper middle class income economy as envisaged by the National Development Strategy 1.
Today’s event is expected to be attended by Cabinet Ministers, stakeholders in the tourism industry that include Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Zimbabwe Council of Tourism, safari operators among others.
The Policy will provide a comprehensive framework for sustainable tourism development, outline key strategies to enhance visitor experiences.
It will also provide guidelines on infrastructure development, marketing environmental conservation and community involvement in tourism activities.
One of the objective of the policy is to provide roadmap for sustainable growth, job creation and increased foreign currency earnings.
It is envisaged to spell out Government’s vision on the tourism sector for the next decade.
Top officials arrive
Dignitaries to the launch have started taking their seats in readiness of the arrival of President Mnangagwa who is the guest of honour and will deliver the keynote address.
They include Vice President Cde Kembo Mohadi, Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube, Ministers of State responsible for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for several provinces.
Delegates are being treated to soft and soothing music from legendary and national hero, Dr Oliver Mutukudzi’s song “Tinokutambirai” which augurs well with the event
Government makes moves to grow sector
The launch of the Tourism and Hospitality Industry Policy come as the Governme
nt has gazetted the Tourism Amendment Bill which seeks to create a stand alone Tourism Fund as the Second Republic moves to revamp the sector into a US$5 billion industry.
At the moment, tourism and hospitality players are levied 2 percent of their revenue by the Government, which is deposited into the Fund currently run by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA).
It is envisaged that a standalone Fund would improve good governance, transparency and accountability and would be used to promote local tourism offerings and support players struggling for capital.
Two weeks ago, Parliament gazetted the Tourism Amendment Bill whose objective is to establish the ZTA and its mandate, create the Fund and spells out how it will be administered.
Clause 18 of the Bill sets out the establishment of the Zimbabwe Tourism Fund with the responsible Minister being its trustee and will be administered by a Council.
The Fund will be constituted by levies from players, monies that might be appropriated to it under an Act of Parliament among other sources.
Some of the objectives include promotion of community based and heritage tourism and market the country as a competitive tourism destination.
The Bill also spells out how ZTA is constituted, through a Board, provides for appointment of the chief executive officer and administrative and financial obligations that the authority should discharge.
The proposed law also spells out how tourist facilities are registered and graded.
The Bill is set to be tabled before Parliament soon and is set to pass with or without amendments.
President arrives for launch
President Mnangagwa has arrived in the auditorium where the Tourism and Hospitality Industry Policy is being launched, signalling the commencement of today’s programme.
The attendance of Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution at today’s event will help in taking the document to the people far and wide, thus helping in the attainment of national objectives in the tourism industry.
Some of the Ministers of State attending today’s event include Charles Tawengwa (Harare) Misheck Mugadza (Manicaland), Owen Ncube (Midlands), Christopher Magomo (Mashonaland Central) and Itai Ndudzo (Mashonaland East).
Harare is ready to implement policy: Minister Tawengwa
Minister Tawengwa noted that the policy is in line with Government’s mantra Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo.
“As Harare we are ready to implement this transformative policy,” said Minister Tawengwa in his welcome address.
He said as a province they are proud to host some of the tourist attraction in the country.
“I am confident that the Policy will boost the tourism sector and showcase our unique attractiveness to the world,” said Minister Tawengwa.
He said as a province they were deeply grateful with efforts to boost the tourism sector.
‘Policy a result of wide consultation’
Minister Rwodzi said the policy is a result of wide consultation with stakeholders from across the country’s ten provinces.
“The consultation included women, children and marginalised communities consistent with your thrust of leaving no place and no one behind,” said Minister Rwodzi.
She said Zimbabwe is beautiful and safe, adding that several international tourists that have visited the country have testified to that.
She said Zimbabwe was the sixth most visited country in Africa, according to a survey conducted last year.
President launches policy, hails tourism sector
In delivering his keynote address, President Mnangagwa hailed the tourism sector, saying it is one of the key pillars in contributing to the country’s Gross Domestic Product.
“This event is taking place at a time when the tourism and hospitality industry has become one of the key contributors to the national GDP after the manufacturing, agriculture and mining sectors.
“This has seen the tourism sector playing its part in the increase of our GDP from US$16 billion in 2018 to the current levels of over US$44 billion,” said President Mnangagwa.
He said the policy will consolidate the growth of the tourism sector.
“To further consolidate this growth trajectory, Government adopted a comprehensive Tourism and Hospitality Industry Growth Strategy, which includes the development and implementation of a robust tourism policy,” said President Mnangagwa.
He said it is critical for the sector to benefit local communities in both rural and urban areas.
After delivering his speech, President Mnangagwa officially launched the policy and cut a ribbon to signal its official implementation.
The Tourism and Hospitality Industry Policy will run for the next five years.
New dawn for tourism sector
Following Deputy Minister Tongai Mnangagwa’s heartfelt vote of thanks, the engagement between the President and members of the Parliament Portfolio on Tourism and Hospitality underscores a unified vision for the future of tourism in Zimbabwe.
As we move forward, collaboration and dedication will be key to achieving the ambitious goals set forth, ensuring that Zimbabwe thrives as a vibrant and welcoming destination for visitors from around the world.
Thank you for joining us in this momentous occasion.
Online Reporter