Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi (pic by Tsitsi Ndabambi)
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
in MASVINGO
Communities living alongside Zimbabwe’s wildlife and other tourism attractions must be empowered to benefit directly from the sector, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa has said.
She said tourism development should not only focus on increasing visitor numbers, but must create meaningful economic opportunities for local communities while protecting the country’s natural and cultural heritage.
In her speech as the Guest of Honour at the Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe 2026 World Tourism Expo Awards, Her Excellency; The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa who was represented by the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi, said communities should be part of the tourism benefits.
The First Lady is the Patron of the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry.
“Tourism development must preserve our natural heritage, protect our pristine wildlife and nature, safeguard our authentic cultural identity and create meaningful opportunities for our local communities.
“These invaluable assets must be managed responsibly so that future generations may continue to benefit,” said the First Lady.
The First Lady further revealed that stakeholders should invest in climate-smart tourism infrastructure, promote conservation initiatives and empower communities as key beneficiaries of tourism.
“I implore all stakeholders, to continue investing in climate-smart tourism infrastructure, promote conservation initiatives, empower local communities as key beneficiaries of tourism and encourage responsible business practices across the industry.”
Her remarks come as Zimbabwe seeks to expand tourism beyond traditional destinations and ensure that the economic benefits generated by the sector reach communities living in and around tourism areas.
Masvingo, which hosted this year’s 19th edition of the tourism fête, is home to major attractions including the Great Zimbabwe Monument, Gonarezhou National Park and Lake Mutirikwi.
Speaking at the same event, Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira said hosting the prestigious tourism event had provided the province with an opportunity to showcase its attractions while stimulating economic activity.
“Hosting of this year’s edition of Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe 2026 is therefore not simply an administrative choice, it is a homecoming for Zimbabwean tourism,” Minister Chadzamira said.
He said the expo had been a catalyst for economic transformation, building on the 80 000 visitors recorded in the province in 2025.
“We anticipate a massive surge in arrivals and substantial capital injection into our local economy.”
Minister Chadzamira said the event had allowed local accommodation providers, tour operators, artists, craftspeople, culinary entrepreneurs and custodians of heritage sites to showcase their products to buyers and visitors from Zimbabwe and beyond.
The hosting of major tourism events, he said, was also in line with the Government’s devolution agenda, as it brought economic opportunities to provinces outside Harare and Bulawayo.
The First Lady added that greater collaboration between Government, the private sector, communities and development partners was needed to unlock investment, product diversification and skills development in tourism.
“Together, let us continue marketing Zimbabwe as a destination of choice, a country renowned for its warm hospitality, breathtaking landscapes, rich history and unforgettable experiences,” she said.
She further revealed that inclusive and sustainable tourism was critical to achieving the country’s Vision 2030 target of becoming an upper-middle-income society.
Meanwhile several companies were honoured with prizes for best exhibitions.
