Stakeholders in Zimbabwe's tourism sector have called for greater collaboration and product diversification as the Government develops a new national tourism strategy to guide the industry's growth under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
The calls emerged during stakeholder consultation meetings organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, where industry players, local authorities and tourism operators shared proposals on how to strengthen Zimbabwe's competitiveness as a tourism destination.
Participants stressed the need to maximise the economic benefits of tourist arrivals by encouraging visitors to spend more time in local communities and explore a wider range of attractions.
Beitbridge Municipality Public Relations Officer Raniel Ndou said the border town has significant untapped tourism potential despite serving as the country's busiest gateway.
"More than 70 percent of tourists who visit Zimbabwe come through the Beitbridge Border Post. We need to develop products and experiences that encourage these visitors to extend their stay in the town instead of simply passing through," he said.
Related Stories
Tourism operator Vanessa Bristow said the consultations had broadened industry players' understanding of the sector's opportunities and the importance of adopting a more integrated approach to tourism development.
"We have realised that tourism goes beyond our individual businesses. The discussions have highlighted opportunities that many operators have overlooked because of our narrow focus," she said.
The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry says the consultations are intended to ensure that the new tourism strategy reflects the priorities of stakeholders who will ultimately be responsible for implementing it.
Permanent Secretary Takaruza Munyanyiwa said stakeholder contributions would help shape a strategy that enhances Zimbabwe's competitiveness while promoting innovation and diversification across the tourism sector.
"As we move from NDS1 to NDS2, it is critical that we engage tourism players because they are the ones who will implement the strategy. Their input will help us develop a roadmap that strengthens the sector and expands Zimbabwe's tourism offerings," he said.
The nationwide consultations come as Zimbabwe continues to earn international recognition as a leading travel destination, with the Government seeking to leverage that momentum to increase tourism's contribution to economic growth, job creation and community development.
Leave Comments