The collaboration of the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority will take Zimbabwe to greater heights, in terms of wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism development, First Lady, Hon Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa has said.
She said this in her keynote speech delivered by the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon Barbra Rwodzi on her behalf as the tourism and environment patron at the occasion of the tourism and conservation conference held at the Cresta Lodge, Harare on 11 July 2024.
“It gives me great joy as well to acknowledge the presence of the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, among other key contributors in the conservation arena. It is through such collaborative efforts as we are witnessing today, that will take Zimbabwe to greater heights, in terms of wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism development.
“Zimbabwe is blessed with rich fauna and flora that we are responsible for preserving as a nation. This will ensure that future generations can enjoy a majestic inheritance that makes Zimbabwe a true “World of Wonders”. For many years I have firmly believed that Zimbabwe has much to share with the world. Our animals, beautiful landscapes, our culture, fashion, music, and our cuisine. I am glad to have been appointed as the Patron of Tourism and Wildlife Ambassador in the country. I take every opportunity I get, both in my personal capacity and in my office as the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, to invite people I interact with to come and experience all these things hosted by some of the most hospitable people in the world,” the First Lady said.
The dialogue was convened under the theme “Making Tourism bigger through Wildlife.”
Tourism industry players, conservationists, marketers, financiers, traditional leaders, innovators, media practitioners shared knowledge, expertise, networks and resources to build a solid roadmap that will propel brand Zimbabwe to heights that it truly deserves to reach.
“It is my firm belief that we have all the essential ingredients to make Zimbabwe one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. I trust that as you deliberate today, you will bring all these together to create a product that is palatable to our local and global consumers. It gives me great pride to say that we are already seeing and reaping the rewards of gastronomy tourism initiatives, as demonstrated by Zimbabwe being honored with the hosting of the first UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa, which is just a few weeks away.
“This is led by the fact that we have the largest airport infrastructure in the KAZA region, which is in Victoria Falls Airport that is slowly becoming a hub of the KAZA region. I am convinced that if the people in this room demonstrate equal commitment or more, we will also stand out as the wildlife destination of choice in the region. I hope, in our discussions, critical questions and progressive resolutions will be raised. Let us not forget our communities around all the wildlife and conservation areas. We should offer opportunities for employment as well as opportunities for infrastructural benefits for their communities,” Dr. Mnangagwa said.
On her part, Hon Rwodzi said the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority will continuously accelerate efforts to improve and promote destination Zimbabwe by bringing all stakeholders to play their part in pursuit of a US$ 5 Billion Tourism Economy by 2025.
“It is essential to promote more collaboration and encourage more public-private partnerships. In this manner, we can realize more development and growth in tourism infrastructure, accommodation, transportation, and branding, among many elements that will enhance the tourist experience,” Hon Rwodzi said.