Zimbabwe’s Tourism sector takes center stage, wins prestigious award

Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry of Zimbabwe has been awarded the prestigious Most Outstanding Ministry Award at the Legacy Empowerment Awards 2024 during its second roadshow at Cresta Grande Hotel in Capetown, South Africa

Through initiatives like the Domestic Tourism Campaign ZimBho, the Traditional Cookout Competition, and vital infrastructure upgrades, the ministry has boosted domestic tourism and enhanced Zimbabwe’s reputation as a premier global destination.

Addressing the event, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, highlighted the sector’s 12% contribution to GDP and presented Rural Tourism Clusters as low-investment opportunities that can boost local economies through cultural and event-based activities.

She emphasized the potential of MICE tourism, noting the urgent need for large-scale conferencing facilities, particularly in Victoria Falls.

The Minister promoted the Masuwe Special Economic Zone as a future tourism hub anchored on sports tourism and medical facilities. She encouraged the diaspora to invest in Zimbabwe, advocating for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and highlighting opportunities in medical tourism, ICT, and Al solutions.

Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to South Africa, Ambassador David Hamadziripi, emphasized the critical role of the diaspora in driving tourism growth and economic transformation, noting that tourism contributes 12% to Zimbabwe’s GDP.