Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, Zimpapers Business Hub
Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Tongai Mnangagwa has said tourism students are the future custodians of Zimbabwe’s hospitality and travel industry, stressing that the realisation of Vision 2030 hinges on their leadership, innovation, and commitment to sustainability.
Addressing students at Bulawayo Polytechnic on Wednesday, Deputy Minister Mnangagwa stressed the importance of preparing students to be innovators and trailblazers in the sector.
He noted that the global tourism landscape is evolving rapidly and Zimbabwe must adapt by preparing a generation of leaders ready to manage hotels, run lodges, direct travel companies, and drive digital tourism.
“You are the future of Zimbabwe’s tourism. Vision 2030 will not be realised without your leadership. It is you, among other students, who will run hotels, manage lodges, direct travel companies, innovate in digital tourism, and shape the experiences of tomorrow among many other areas.
“I urge you to think boldly. Do not confine yourselves to traditional roles. The world is changing fast, and tourism is evolving with it. Embrace innovation — digital tools, artificial intelligence, online marketing, and smart technologies that can transform how we present Zimbabwe to the world. Lead with responsibility, promote eco-friendly practices, fair labour standards, and respect for culture. Champion inclusivity, ensure that women, young people and communities are central to tourism, not peripheral to it,” he said.
He was addressing a seminar held under the theme “Sustainable Tourism: Equipping Hospitality Students for Leadership in a Vision 2030 Economy.”
“International travellers are becoming increasingly discerning. They are looking for destinations that are green, ethical, and authentic. They want experiences that leave a positive footprint — not only on the environment, but on communities. If Zimbabwe is to compete on the global stage, we must meet that demand,” he said.
The deputy minister reminded the students that their work must align with the national vision.
“And above all, remember that your work must contribute to our national vision. Vision 2030 calls for Zimbabwe to become an upper-middle-income economy. Tourism will be a central pillar of that transformation. But only if it is sustainable, resilient, and inclusive.
“My message to you today is simple, and it is anchored in the national vision set out by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.
“The statistics clearly show our potential. We can surpass our targets, but we must also remain mindful that without focus and discipline, we risk losing ground. The Government of Zimbabwe remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting this sector through policy reforms, infrastructure development, investment promotion, international marketing.
“However, the true responsibility rests with you – the young leaders being trained here at Bulawayo Polytechnic and other institutions across our nation. The President has reminded us through his guiding mantra: ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo.’ Indeed, it is the people of Zimbabwe, particularly its youth, who must drive the growth and sustainability of this industry.
“If you lead with innovation, sustainability, and responsibility, you will not only advance the tourism sector but also contribute meaningfully to the realisation of Vision 2030. Together, let us build a tourism industry that is not only a key contributor to GDP, but also a flagship for Africa — green, inclusive, resilient, and prosperous — a true pillar of our national economic transformation,” he said.
Tourism, he added, is now at the heart of Zimbabwe’s economic growth strategy.
“Tourism is no longer a peripheral industry in Zimbabwe. It is now the very heart of our national economic agenda. In 2024, Zimbabwe welcomed over 1,6 million tourist arrivals, an increase from the previous year. The sector contributes about 17 percent to the growth of the GDP, placing it firmly alongside agriculture and mining as one of our most critical drivers of growth. Tourism has the distinction of being an ‘industry of industries’. It links to almost everything — from transport to agriculture to ICT, manufacturing and even to the creative economy,” said Deputy Minister Mnangagwa.
He said the sector’s growth and sustainability rests on equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and vision to take Zimbabwean tourism to greater heights.
