Minister Rwodzi outline huge tourism goals on the sidelines of WTM Africa
Nomazulu Moyo
CAPE TOWN; South Africa – Zimbabwe is targeting to make its tourism sector a US$5 billion industry by 2030, minister Barbara Rwodzi has said.
She said this while sharing her country’s ambitious vision for its tourism sector emphasizing the importance of partnerships and knowledge exchange between Europe and Africa to bolster the tourism economy.
Rwodzi said on the sidelines of the 2024 edition of the WTM Africa in Cape Town.
“We have enough knowledge to open to the world, particularly in the world of tourism and hospitality industry, to definitely increase the numbers in terms of the GDP of the tourism economy,” Rwodzi said.
She added that the government’s role was to act as a catalyst, facilitating the development and promotion of tourism facilities and businesses.
She highlighted Zimbabwe’s diverse attractions, including the world-renowned Victoria Falls, the country’s wildlife, and new tourism developments.
“Zimbabwe is beautiful, we are respectable as a people, and we have various destinations that attract the world,” she said.
In terms of security, the minister assured that Zimbabwe was a safe destination.
“You can walk in the streets of Harare at any given time with your cell phone, and no one will snatch that cell phone from you,” she said.
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The minister’s presence at the WTM Africa/TIFA tourism event in Cape Town was a demonstration of her government’s commitment to the industry and to promote Zimbabwe as an affordable and attractive destination for tourists worldwide. With a focus on retaining key markets such as the USA, UK, and Germany, and attracting new visitors from countries like Australia and Canada, Zimbabwe is poised to welcome the world back to its shores post the meltdown that ensued post the Covid-19 pandemic.
As the country embraces new currents and optimistic prospects, the minister invites the world to witness Zimbabwe’s affordability and hospitality firsthand.
“It’s very affordable like anywhere else in Africa, particularly the southern region,” she concluded, inviting tourists to experience the warmth and culture of Zimbabwe.
