Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]
THE tourism sector has appealed for increased funding in the 2027 National Budget to develop new attractions, improve infrastructure and strengthen Zimbabwe’s competitiveness as a destination, warning that inadequate resources could constrain growth and undermine national development targets.
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Joanna Mamombe made the appeal during the Pre-Budget Seminar in Bulawayo on Wednesday where she presented the tourism and hospitality industry’s priorities under the theme “Accelerating Economic Transformation and Building Resilience to Climate and Global Shocks”.
She said increased funding was essential to addressing infrastructure gaps and unlocking tourism’s contribution to economic transformation.
“The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry is committed to delivering on its mandate guided by national development blueprints.
” In light of the acute inadequacy of the allocated budget relative to their strategic priorities and operational imperatives, we appeal for more resources,” she said.
“Fully funding the 2027 bid for Tourism, guarantees Zimbabwe’s status as the World’s best destination to visit and all benefits that accrue.”
The sector’s priorities include developing new tourism products, establishing the Tourism Academy and improving infrastructure supporting tourism and hospitality operations.
Mamombe’s presentation identified inadequate roads and access links, limited convention facilities and insufficient accommodation as major constraints affecting Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism.
The sector also faces gaps in Tourism Satellite Accounting (TSA), limited funding for provincial devolution and inadequate resources for tourism data systems and compliance enforcement.
Underdeveloped tourism products, including Tugwi-Mukosi, were highlighted as areas requiring investment to broaden Zimbabwe’s tourism offering and attract more visitors.
The presentation warned that inadequate funding could contribute to lower tourist arrivals and receipts, weaken competitiveness and increase the risk of missing growth targets.
Limited conference infrastructure could also undermine the country’s ability to attract regional and international events, while insufficient enforcement capacity could contribute to unregistered facilities, weaker service standards and potential revenue leakages.
The sector further emphasised the need for timely disbursement of allocated funds to ensure programmes are implemented effectively.
The portfolio committee stressed that increased funding was essential to protecting tourism growth, competitiveness and delivery of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
Establishing the Tourism Academy would support skills development and service delivery, while investment in new attractions could expand opportunities for domestic and international tourism.
The sector said adequately funding its 2027 budget bid would enable the ministry to implement its strategic priorities and strengthen tourism’s contribution to economic development.
