THE Government will collaborate with the private sector and local communities on a comprehensive update of the Tourism Master Plan to steer the sector towards more co-ordinated, sustainable and inclusive development during the implementation phase of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2).
According to the NDS 2 policy framework, this approach will strengthen tourism’s contribution to national economic growth, employment creation and foreign currency generation as Zimbabwe moves towards achieving its Vision 2030 targets.
The tourism sector remains one of Zimbabwe’s most strategic economic pillars, with significant potential for job creation and investment. Tourism contributes approximately 12 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and is a key source of foreign exchange earnings. This year, the sector is expected to grow by 4,3 percent.
“During NDS 2, the tourism industry will remain a critical pillar in unlocking employment opportunities and generating foreign exchange for the realisation of Vision 2030. The industry is projected to continue growing, driven by strategic interventions anchored on policy and regulatory review, improved tourism facilities and infrastructure, complemented by smart tourism marketing innovations,” reads part of the NDS 2 tourism roadmap.
The Government stresses the centrality of updating the Tourism Master Plan in guiding investments and unlocking new tourism zones.
“To guide local tourism investments, Government will work with the private sector and communities to update the Tourism Master Plan, incorporating emerging tourism zones and ensuring co-ordinated, sustainable and inclusive tourism development across the country.”
With the updated Tourism Master Plan, strengthened policy reforms and targeted investments, the Government is confident that the tourism sector will expand its contribution to GDP, create more jobs and attract increased foreign currency inflows, solidifying its pivotal role in national development under NDS 2 and the march towards Vision 2030 of an empowered upper-middle-income society.
The document states that the Government will continue to strengthen the tourism policy environment to enhance competitiveness and support investor confidence.
“In accordance with the National Tourism Policy, Government will transform the tourism sector through the adoption of sustainable tourism practices that entrench community participation in tourism development.
“During NDS 2, the review of the National Tourism Policy will be informed by the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA). Government will continue to review the ease of doing business by reducing the cost of compliance for operators, encouraging formalisation and investment in the sector.
“Furthermore, Government will implement the National Tourism Development Plan to drive product diversification, strengthen human capital development, enhance tourism infrastructure, provide targeted incentives and scale up marketing efforts across regional and international source markets.”
Mr Tafadzwa Mandiwanzira, a travel and leisure operator, said the sector has long advocated for a refreshed national tourism blueprint that reflects current global trends.
“We commend the Government for taking this bold step. A modernised Tourism Master Plan will give clarity to investors, provide direction on product development and help unlock new tourism corridors. This is exactly what the sector needs to stimulate growth under NDS 2. “The review signals serious intent by the Government to strengthen tourism as a key economic pillar. It will ensure that development is structured, data-driven and inclusive. Operators are ready to collaborate and ensure the new plan addresses pricing, infrastructure gaps and human capital development,” he said.
Mr Tinashe Mudawari, a tourism player in Bulawayo, said updating the Tourism Master Plan was a timely intervention that will boost destination competitiveness.
“It will help us tap into emerging niches like adventure, agri-tourism and cultural tourism while giving communities a bigger role in tourism value chains.”
Domestic tourism continues to anchor the sector, the NDS 2 policy document adds.
“NDS 2 recognises that domestic tourism is the biggest contributor to the industry, accounting for 75 percent of income largely through hosting events and conferences. This has seen domestic tourism underpin the sector’s resilience in the face of constraints.
“To enhance the great potential of growth in domestic tourism, legislation is being amended to rationalise pricing in the sector, historically blamed for turning away locals who experience relatively higher charges compared to the region.”
Building on the successes of NDS 1, the Government will heighten marketing efforts and reposition Zimbabwe on the global tourism map.
“Building on NDS 1 successes, Government will continue to implement initiatives targeted at promoting tourism, including marketing the Experience Zimbabwe brand and associated cluster products. Heritage-based tourism will be promoted, with emphasis on elements of culture, authenticity, diversity and sustainability.
“Government will increase participation at international events by organising delegations and exhibitions, enhance diaspora engagement through structured outreach campaigns and deploy tourism attachés in emerging markets.”
Significant investments will also be channelled towards infrastructure supporting tourism.
“NDS 2 interventions to enhance destination accessibility will include ongoing targeted facilitation in infrastructure development, such as roads, airports, ports of entry and exit, as well as digital infrastructure under the Whole-of-Government approach.
“To support sustainable growth and competitiveness, the Government will invest in the rehabilitation, upgrading and modernisation of tourism-supporting infrastructure and facilities, including roads, airports, ports of entry and exit.
“Priority will be given to public and private investments through targeted investment incentives and SEZ frameworks to accelerate development of such tourism facilities as accommodation, conferencing and eco-tourism.”-herald
