Tourism could stimulate economy
BUSINESS REPORTER
Government is committed to encouraging investment in the tourism and hospitality sector as it has enormous potential to propel national development and economic growth, Tourism and Hospitality Minister, Barbra Rwodzi has said.
She said this in Bulawayo during the launch of the tourism investment matchmaking platform , a brainchild of the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) with assistance from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA).
The platform’s goal is to give all interested parties equal opportunity to use an online application to engage in and profit from the tourism industry under one roof.
It also provides a space for communities, operators and local and international investors to explore and access tourism investment opportunities.
According to Rwodzi, the platform demonstrates the government’s dedication to accountability, inclusivity, and openness.
“By supporting this initiative, we are creating an enabling environment that encourages investment, job creation and sustainable resource management.
“I would like to express my gratitude to ZIDA for their dedication and efforts in spearheading the Tourism Investment Matchmaking platform. Together, we can unlock the full potential of our tourism and hospitality and can create a brighter future for all Zimbabweans.”
According to Rwodzi, the government’s broader objectives as stated in the National Development Strategy 1 are in line with the initiative’s approval.
The country aims to have a US$5bn tourism economy by 2025, and the tourism sector is one of the main pillars of the economy, contributing at least US$600bn to total capital investments, according to the National Development Strategy 1.
According to Winnie Muchanyuka, CEO of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), the country’s tourism and hospitality sectors are facing a severe skills shortage that is endangering the industry’s growth.
In search of the fabled “greener pastures,” skilled professionals from every sector of the economy have been leaving due to the challenging economic climate.
Zimbabwe is ranked among the top 5 destinations in Africa.
Muchanyuka said it takes a lot of effort and collaboration for Zimbabwe to climb up the ladder.
To revive the industry, whose contribution to the national economy was severely damaged by the Covid-19 pandemic, the government introduced the National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy in 2020.
The government plans to raise tourism earnings to US$5bn by 2025 under the National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy.
