Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Tongai Mafidi Mnangagwa
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
Zimbabwe is embracing digital technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform the tourism sector and improve the way tourists discover, experience and interact with destinations across the country.
The move comes as Zimbabwe joined the global community in commemorating World Tourism Day on Saturday, under the theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.”
Speaking during the commemorations held at Heritage Village in Harare, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi, in a speech read on her behalf by her Deputy Tongai Mnangagwa, said technology was key to keeping Zimbabwe competitive on the global tourism market.
“Zimbabwe is leveraging technology not to replace the human capital aspect, but to enhance the product offering to ensure we remain globally competitive on the digital edge,” Minister Rwodzi said.
She said Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) were helping in the profiling and preservation of places of interest across the country.
“Our travellers today are more exposed to digital information than anything else, hence they rely on technology to decide where to travel.”
Minister Rwodzi said Zimbabwe should also make use of technology to tell its own stories and showcase the country’s culture and heritage to potential tourists.
“In this regard, we are being challenged to come up with a unique documentary narrating the unique culture and heritage of Zimbabwe and showcasing the rich tapestry of our liberation heritage,” she said.
She said packaging the documentary together with other attractions around the country could help Zimbabwe attract more local, regional and international tourists.
“As I conclude, let me reiterate that ICTs remain central to Tourism growth and success, and economic transformation of the nations.
“As such, we are being challenged to harness digital platforms to remain relevant in this digital era.”
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province, Senator Charles Tawengwa
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province, Senator Charles Tawengwa said technology was already changing the way tourists discover and experience destinations.
“This theme reminds us that technology is changing the way people discover and experience great destinations,” Minister Tawengwa said.
He said tourists were now using digital platforms to choose destinations, book accommodation, plan activities and share their experiences.
“Artificial Intelligence helps tourism business understand their customers, improve services and reach wider market,” said Minister Tawengwa.
Kathy Kathewela, president of the Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe
Kathy Kathewela, president of the Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe said the adoption of AI and other digital tools should enhance Zimbabwe’s hospitality industry rather than replace the human element that makes the country’s tourism sector attractive.
“When we talk about Artificial Intelligence and digital tools, we are not talking about replacing the warmth of Zimbabwean hospitality.
“Zimbabwe hospitality is marked by the warmth of its people which technology will never replace. We are however talking about enhancing it,” said Kathewela.
Kathewela said AI could help tourism businesses understand their guests before they arrive, improve operations and market Zimbabwe’s resort towns more effectively.
“Artificial Intelligence means using smart data to understand our guests before they even arrive, streamlining our operations, and marketing our beautiful resort towns with precision,” she said.
She added that digital technology could help ensure that both large and small tourism operators remained competitive.
“By adopting these technologies together, we ensure that no operator, large or small, is left behind in the global market.”
It was added that embracing AI and digital integration was also in line with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an empowered, prosperous and upper-middle-income society.
“The President has consistently championed a digital-first economy.
“By shifting our tourism sector toward artificial intelligence and digital integration today, we are actively building the modern infrastructure required to meet that 2030 goal.”
Kathewela further revealed that innovation should now be viewed as a key driver of economic growth.
“Innovation is no longer a luxury; it is the engine that will drive our sustainable economic growth,” added Kathewela.
Hundreds of people attended the commemorations which were also marked by entertainment from various groups.
