Empowering the Future: Ministry of Tourism Launches Provincial Structures for Women and Youth

VICTORIA FALLS – In a significant move to formalize and decentralize the tourism sector, the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry held a high-stakes provincial workshop today, March 16, at the Kasambabezi Lodge.

​The one-day exercise, part of a broader nationwide mandate, successfully established the executive leadership for both the Women in Tourism and Youth in Tourism provincial chambers and networks.

The event was presided over by Mr. Mavhembu, the Director of International Marketing, who stood in for the Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Hospitality Industry. Addressing the delegates, the Ministry emphasized that women and youth are no longer just participants in the tourism value chain but are now being positioned as the architectural backbone of the industry’s socio-economic development.

“This is part of a nationwide exercise aimed at developing well-defined structures,” a Ministry representative stated. “These groups play a critical role in advancing the nation, and formalizing their leadership is the first step toward sustainable growth.”

​The workshop culminated in a transparent elective process to fill key positions within the two newly formed bodies. The following roles were filled for both the Women in Tourism Chamber and Network and the Youth in Tourism Chamber and Network:

​Chairperson

​Vice Chairperson

​Treasurer

​Coordinating Secretary

​These newly elected officials will be tasked with coordinating provincial activities, managing local tourism resources, and acting as the primary liaison between grassroots entrepreneurs and the Ministry.

​The Victoria Falls session is a component of a larger strategy by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) and the Ministry to ensure that the “Experience Zimbabwe” brand is inclusive. By creating “well-defined structures,” the government aims to provide women and youth with better access to funding, training, and international marketing platforms.