Hon Barbra Rwodzi, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry has said the sector is a key driver in efforts to achieve Vision 2030 as enunciated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa for the country to become an upper-middle income economy by 2030.
Hon Rwodzi made the remarks at the 2023 Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) conference at Montclair Hotel in Nyanga this week.
“His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Commander in Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Cde Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa, pronounced that Zimbabwe shall work to become an upper middle-income country by 2030. The Tourism and Hospitality Industry is a key driver in efforts to achieve this vision. This is why we are very humbled to have been invited to this year’s Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe Congress.
“His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa instituted a stand-alone Ministry responsible for the Tourism and Hospitality Industry, which is a true reflection of the recognition and importance attached to the sector by the Government. Indeed, we are all aware that the tourism industry contributes significantly to the GDP, is a major employer, and generates revenue. In fact, the Tourism and Hospitality Industry contributes a significant 4.25% to the national GDP and 2% to the total employment in the country. This sector is the third largest contributor to the country’s GDP,” Hon Rwodzi said.
The Ministry is currently in the process of developing a focused strategy leveraging the country’s heritage. Hon Rwodzi said the mandate of the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality industry is derived from the Tourism Act (Cap 14:20) which enjoins the Ministry to promote and develop the tourism and hospitality industry in Zimbabwe.
Promotion of Tourism is implemented through the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) while the Development of the tourism industry is implemented and facilitated through the Zimbabwe Tourism Fund (ZTF). In accordance with the Tourism Act Chapter 14:20, tourism Promotion and Development shall target domestic, regional, and international markets.
The Vision of The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry is to make Zimbabwe a prime tourist destination and this will be based on the 4 of 12 pursuance of international best practice. To achieve this goal, absolute and perfect alignment with national goals and aspirations is critical.
She said the pillars of our strategy as a Ministry are Policy and Administration; Tourism Development; and Tourism Promotion.
“In pursuance of our goal as a Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, a Doctrine for Tourism Promotion and Development will be developed with immediate effect in order to guide and elevate the contribution of the Tourism and Hospitality Industry to the GDP of Zimbabwe.
“We shall transform our tourism categories into clusters that shall form the basis of our tourism promotion and tourism development strategy. The clusters shall include the Rural Tourism cluster, Sports Tourism Cluster, Religion Cluster, Business Cluster, Culture and Customs Cluster, Wildlife Cluster, Holidaying Cluster, etc,” she added.