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Hon. Barbra Rwodzi, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry has said the sector plays a pivotal role in the nation’s economic development, cultural exchange, and attainment of Vision 2030.
She made the speech today at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Bulawayo where she was the guest of honour at the tourism and hospitality industry breakfast meeting at Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo that kicked off today in the City of Kings and Queens and is running from 12 to 14 October 2023.
“I am grateful for being given this opportunity by His Excellency the President of Zimbabwe, Dr E.D. Mnangagwa to lead the Tourism and Hospitality Sector, which plays a pivotal role in our nation’s economic development, cultural exchange and attainment of vision 2030. As I start my journey, I start it with excitement and optimism which is anchored by my faith in the development potential of the sector.
“Accordingly, let me proceed to acknowledge and appreciate past and present tourism business leaders for the hard work that has contributed to the resurgence of the tourism and hospitality industry post-COVID-19 pandemic. The growth we are witnessing today is no doubt a culmination of your dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to this important sector of our economy,” Hon Rwodzi said.
The Minister said tourism is a gateway to cultural exchange, economic growth, and international collaboration. She described it as a sector that has the potential to shape the nation’s image and bring prosperity to citizens.
Hon Rwodzi said the private sector plays an indispensable role in realizing this potential and encouraged tourism players to work together to achieve shared goals.
“First and foremost, I want to emphasize that tourism is a partnership. It’s a relationship between the government and the private sector, where each party brings its unique strengths to the table. The government provides the framework, infrastructure, and policies to support tourism, while the private sector brings innovation, investment, and operational expertise. Together, we can create a vibrant and sustainable tourism ecosystem,” she added.
The Minister said the transformative power of technology in tourism has been witnessed in online booking platforms to virtual reality experiences.
Technology has revolutionized how tourists plan and enjoy their trips. In this regard, Hon Rwodzi urged the private sector to continue driving innovation, finding new ways to enhance the visitor experience, and making destinations more accessible and attractive.
She urged collaboration in creating compelling marketing campaigns that showcase the unique and diverse attractions of the country, at the same time, developing specialized tour packages that cater to different types of travelers, from adventure enthusiasts to cultural aficionados.
By working hand in hand, tourism players can tap into emerging markets and adapt to changing consumer preferences. Investing in workforce development directly impacts the quality of visitors’ experiences. Training and upskilling our tourism professionals will not only enhance service quality but also contribute to the overall growth of our sector.
As is espoused in the National Development Strategy 1 (2021-2025), tourism is one of the key pillars of our economy alongside agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. It has huge potential to significantly contribute to the national income, employment, and foreign currency generation. Equally, it has the capacity to contribute to local economic development and improved livelihoods of the local communities, in particular women and the youth, by their participation at the various levels of the tourism value chain.