​Zimbabwe’s Tourism Sector Poised for Growth as Minister Emphasizes MICE and Infrastructure Development

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, has underscored the nation’s robust efforts to bolster its tourism sector, with a significant focus on Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism and critical infrastructure development. Speaking from the COP15 gathering in Victoria Falls, the Minister highlighted the synergistic approach being taken to position Zimbabwe as a premier destination for both regional and international visitors.

​”MICE tourism is a cornerstone of our strategy this year,” stated Minister Rwodzi. “We are committed to ensuring Zimbabwe is a destination of choice for conferencing, conventions, and gatherings of any nature.” Her sentiments were visibly supported by the bustling atmosphere at COP15, which she noted had attracted a larger influx of people than many previous conventions, even leading to delegates utilizing private assessed accommodations due to exceeding hotel capacities. This success, she elaborated, is a testament to the nation’s growing appeal as a MICE hub.

​A key enabler in this tourism drive, according to the Minister, is enhanced accessibility. The ongoing rehabilitation of the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls road was hailed as “great news” for the sector. “Accessibility to tourism is key to Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, and other places along this route,” Minister Rwodzi emphasized, acknowledging the vital role this infrastructure plays in facilitating seamless travel for tourists arriving from various points, including Beitbridge and Harare. She extended gratitude to the government and His Excellency for prioritizing this road project, particularly recognizing its positive impact on domestic tourism.

​Further boosting connectivity and, consequently, tourism, is the recent announcement of a new direct air route between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls by Fastjet. This development, which Minister Rwodzi described as a significant “growth” factor, opens up new avenues for both domestic and international tourists. “We have other tourists that we are pushing to come into Bulawayo, spend a night or two in Bulawayo, because Bulawayo is another destination for our country, and then going over to Victoria Falls,” she explained. The re-establishment of this route after a long hiatus means visitors can now conveniently fly into Bulawayo from Harare and proceed to Victoria Falls on the same day, enhancing travel flexibility and encouraging exploration of more of Zimbabwe’s diverse offerings.

​Looking ahead, the Minister also touched upon the upcoming Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo, which is set to take place in Mutare this year. Reinforcing the government’s devolution strategy, she urged all tourism operators to participate in the expo to promote their respective provinces. “We all go and meet in Mutare for Sanganai,” she encouraged. “We are encouraging every operator to come to Sanganai to promote the province Manicaland in line with the devolution strategy that His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa has introduced. I think it is so fit that we must move from province to province. Next year we are in Masvingo, and we are happy.”

​The Minister’s remarks paint a clear picture of a well-coordinated strategy aimed at elevating Zimbabwe’s tourism profile. By prioritizing MICE tourism, investing in critical road infrastructure, and enhancing air connectivity, coupled with the strategic rotation of major expos like Sanganai/Hlanganani, Zimbabwe is demonstrably positioning itself for significant growth and a more accessible, diverse, and vibrant tourism landscape.