BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
The first half of the year saw the country’s tourism sector demonstrating significant growth as international arrivals increased by 27 percent to 751,483 up from 592,567, compared to the same period last year, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi has said.
Minister Rwodzi added that correspondingly, tourism receipts saw a 24 percent rise, reaching US$493 million compared to US$398 million in the first half of last year.
She revealed this on Wednesday as she launched the month of September as the Tourism Month, which seeks to raise awareness on the importance of tourism.
World Tourism Day will be celebrated on September 27 under the theme, “Tourism and Peace,” and a lot of activities have been lined up in the build-up.
Minister Rwodzi said the celebrations were coming on the background of renewed global tourism recovery with Zimbabwe also experiencing significant growth over the 2023/2024 period.
“The sector continues to be a vital contributor to Zimbabwe’s economy, accounting for approximately 5.7 percent of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and 3.5 percent of national employment, underscoring its pivotal role in driving economic development and job creation.
“The ongoing investment into the tourism sector coupled with improvement in the enabling infrastructure including airports and road network improvement is bound to spur Zimbabwe in achieving the USD5 billion tourism economy by 2025,” said Minister Rwodzi.
Minister Rwodzi said the World Tourism Day which has been celebrated annually on the 27th of September since 1980, was set aside by the United Nations Tourism (UN Tourism), formerly United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), to foster awareness amongst the international community on the importance of tourism economically, socially, culturally and environmentally.
“The 1st of September marks the beginning of the 2024 World Tourism Month.
“Among the events for the month is the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo which will be held in Bulawayo during the period 11 to 13 September.
“This event is bringing in both local and international communities to come and showcase their products. Side events will also be taking place during the period such as, MICE Master class, Tourism investment forum, Tourism scholastic, gastronomy hub, among others.
“This will be followed by a Tourism Symposium to be held at Lupane State University on 19 September, where papers will be presented on how Tourism contributes to national and global Peace.
“After the Symposium, there will be a Sport tournament on the 21st September in Gokwe Kabuyani Constituency aimed at promoting Sports Tourism.
“The Tourism Month will be concluded by the World Tourism Day Main Celebrations on the 27th of September 2024 at Gandavaroyi Gorge, in Gokwe Gumunyu Constituency, a hidden gem in Midlands Province,” she said.
Minister Rwodzi also revealed that the main celebrations are hosted by provinces on a rotational basis.
And she also revealed that by targeting different provinces each year, the ministry’s aim is to fulfil the National Vision of leaving no place and no one behind and ensure equitable distribution of tourism resources and benefits.
