‘Tourism, hospitality sector anchors GDP growth’

Zvamaida MurwiraSenior ReporterTHE Tourism and Hospitality industry continues to register exponential growth, contributing to the steady rise of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from US$16 billion to US$44 billion, President Mnangagwa has said.He made the remarks in his keynote address at the launch of the Tourism and Hospitality Industry Policy at State House in Harare yesterday.The policy, a comprehensive framework for sustainable tourism development, outlines key strategies to enhance visitor experiences, promote investment and leverage Zimbabwe’s rich natural and cultural heritage.“This event is occurring 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.“To further consolidate this growth trajectory, my Government adopted a comprehensive Tourism and Hospitality Industry Growth Strategy, which includes the development and implementation of a robust tourism policy Additionally, attendant enablers and projects are ongoing to enhance targeted tourism development and promotion in our country.”He described the launch of the policy document as timely, as it dovetailed with the country’s national development agenda.President Mnangagwa commended stakeholders responsible for formulating the policy, saying they ensured that people and communities were central to its formulation.He implored stakeholders to ensure the policy implementation was guided by the country’s philosophy that a country was developed by its people.“The realisation of a balanced tourism and hospitality industry is essential for equitable development that benefits local communities in both rural and urban areas It is commendable that the development of the Tourism and Hospitality Policy involved broad stakeholder consultations, with the perspectives of our people being heard, while critical gaps within the sector were identified,” President Mnangagwa said.“Going forward, you are challenged to remain engaged with the people, making sure that their concerns are not only heard, but addressed, where necessary

The socio-economic benefits from the tourism sector should ultimately cascade to all Zimbabweans, including marginalised and vulnerable communities.”He said modernisation of new tourism products must not harm natural habitats and cultural values.“As we scale up growth within the tourism and hospitality industry, it is critically important that we do so with the rest of society and our economy in mind Due attention must be given to protecting and preserving our flora and fauna The modernisation and development of new tourist products must not be to the detriment of our natural habitats, cultural traditions, values and norms,” said President Mnangagwa.He urged players to remain guided by the primary goals of tourism as outlined in the policy document.These include utilisation of innovative strategies to accelerate tourism and hospitality industry growth and promotion, strengthening human capacity development, robust physical and digital infrastructure, strengthening the legal and regulatory frameworks to improve the ease of doing business, as well as fostering regional and international cooperation to grow the industry, among other aspects.“As per the hallmark of my administration, it is my expectation that the policy implementation will be anchored on the Whole-of-Government approach, characterised by role clarity among ministries, departments and agencies Under the Second Republic, tourism is private sector-driven, community-owned and facilitated by Government

This tripartite model must be nurtured to ensure that all actors in the tourism ecosystem are fully engaged in shaping and benefiting from the sector,” President Mnangagwa said.He cited several projects in the tourism sector that had been completed and the subsequent increased investment.The President commended the ongoing branding of airports, border posts and refurbishment of flagship hotels, including Rainbow Tourism Group, Cresta and Africa Sun.“Connectivity and accessibility to our tourism destinations across the country continues to be a priority area for my Government As such, the ongoing upgrading of roads and transport infrastructure has taken into cognisance road networks catering for tourist sites These include the Beitbridge-Chirundu Road and the upcoming Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road, among others,” said President Mnangagwa.He commended the ongoing work on the 10 000-seater Cricket Stadium in the Masuwe Special Economic Zone in Victoria Falls.President Mnangagwa hailed the decision to host the Sanganai/Hlanganani in Manicaland Province, saying that was in line with the devolution and decentralisation agenda.“The hosting of the event in the Eastern Highlands must expose our people, as well as both domestic and international tourists, to the beauty of our country as well as our diversity and rich cultural heritage We look forward to the promotion of other initiatives throughout our provinces, such as the Intwasa Arts Festival in Bulawayo, the Budula Cultural Festival in Chikombedzi, Ndau Festival of the Arts in Chipinge and Nyanga Arts Festival, among others

Our community tourism must always foster sustainable practices to preserve our heritage, while also availing authentic experiences for travellers,” he said.The use of digital platforms and ICTs must be leveraged to enhance tourism marketing strategies, while language use should take into account diverse source markets.Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbra Rwodzi said Zimbabwe was a highly marketable destination, backed by regional statistics that ranked it sixth among the most visited places in the region.She said Zimbabwe was beautiful and safe and several international tourists who visited the country have delivered glowing testimonials.The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution responsible for Harare Province, Cde Charles Tawengwa, said the Policy was in line with the 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 were proud to host some of the tourist attractions 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.The event was attended by Vice President Kembo Mohadi, Cabinet ministers, legislators, senior Government officials and tourism players among others.Share on FacebookPost on XFollow usSave

Originally published on Zimbabwe Herald

Source: Zimbabwe Herald