Tourism sector poised to become major economic driver

THE tourism sector is on track to become a top economic driver, with Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Barbara Rwodzi, predicting that it could contribute US$600 million to capital investments by next year.

The National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy (2020-2025) aims to deliver US$5 billion in earnings annually.

The country experienced an 83 percent increase in visitor arrivals, both domestic and international, in the first quarter of the year.

This has elevated tourism to the third-largest contributor to the country’s GDP.

Factors behind the success include the African Gastronomy Conference in Victoria Falls and strong pitches for sports, religious, rural and agricultural activities.

Speaking at the third edition of the Zimbabwe Tourism Investment Forum held during the 17th edition of the Sanganai-Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, which ended in Bulawayo on Saturday, Minister Rwodzi said tourism is one of the key economic pillars and is considered a low-hanging fruit, according to the National Development Strategy (NDS) 1 blueprint.

The investment conference was held under the theme: “Unlocking Tourism Investment Opportunities for Local Economic Development”.

“The tourism sector is expected to contribute US$600 million to total capital investments by 2025 and targeting to become a US$5 billion tourism economy as outlined in the National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy: 2020-2025,” she said.

Minister Rwodzi said the Government has already clustered the tourism sector into 11 categories, which include culture and heritage, sports, medical, rural, nature and wildlife, study, visiting friends and relatives, business, holiday and recreation.

“In all these clusters, there are opportunities for investment in accommodation for lodges and hotels, themed restaurants, medical tourism facilities, integrated resorts, golf estates and casinos, recreation facilities, as well as park estates,” she said.

“All of these are critical to enhancing the competitiveness of destination Zimbabwe. There are also opportunities in conferencing and exhibitions, given the deficit in all the provinces across the country.”

She said Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (Mice) Tourism was one of the fastest-growing forms of tourism, contributing significantly to the economies of various nations.

She, however, said the country lacks multi-purpose convention or exhibition centres.

“Zimbabwe only has 397 conferencing facilities with a total capacity of 34 198 combined, which is not even enough to host a single mega event.

“This area spills over to sports tourism, a greenfield, which has international events such as the World Cup in various disciplines and religious tourism, both of which have the potential to attract large crowds,” she said.

“The underinvestment in supporting infrastructure is a huge impediment to bidding efforts for key international events and conferences.

“The traditional model of tourism has often come at a significant cost to the environment and local communities.”

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the need to transform the tourism sector into a more sustainable and responsible industry, Minister Rwodzi noted.

“There is a growing consumer demand for sustainable experiences nowadays. Travellers are becoming more conscious of their environmental footprint and actively seeking eco-friendly accommodation, tour packages and destinations,” she said.

“Zimbabwe has investment opportunities in sustainable tourism, particularly alternative or renewable energy, waste management technology, transportation and auto-mechanised systems.”

Minister Rwodzi said medical tourism was on the rise and more than US$400 million per annum is used on outbound medical tourism.

“This money can be used in Zimbabwe if this segment is developed. We are also promoting and encouraging investments in community-based tourism development, which will support the sustainable development of local communities by growing the value chain through small enterprises and projects,” she said.

“By investing in community-based tourism, investors not only have the opportunity to gain financially but also to have a positive impact on society and the environment in sync with Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2030 by the UN.”

The Government has already gazetted Victoria Falls as a tourism Special Economic Zone and potential investors can enjoy tax exemption and duty rebates, among others. -chroncile