The tourism sector is set for a transformation as the Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Barbara Rwodzi, calls for greater collaboration with local communities to enhance their well-being. Speaking at the inaugural Tourism and Conservation Conference in Harare yesterday, Minister Rwodzi highlighted the critical role of community involvement in the future of tourism.
The event, themed “Making Tourism Easier and Bigger Through Wildlife,” focused on sustainable tourism practices. Minister Rwodzi emphasized the need for communities to reap benefits from their natural resources. “We are aligning our strategies with the United Nations’ sustainable tourism policies, which include going green and ensuring community involvement at every level,” she said.
In her speech, Minister Rwodzi announced plans to introduce rural tourism escorts and set up caravans to boost local tourism. “It is essential for the tourism industry to integrate local heritage and culture, enabling communities to gain from the tourism sector,” she noted.
Guy Jennings, the Southern Africa director of Wild Africa Fund, also spoke at the conference. He underscored the importance of promoting Zimbabwe’s rich wildlife and national parks to attract more visitors. “Zimbabwe offers some of the best wildlife experiences in the world. We need to continuously share our story to bring more tourists to our beautiful country,” Jennings said.
Additionally, Minister Rwodzi proposed the deployment of tourism officers to rural areas to support local tourism initiatives and provide information to visitors. This initiative aims to create job opportunities and improve infrastructure in these regions, ultimately uplifting the standard of living for local residents.
The new strategy underscores a commitment to making tourism not only a significant economic driver but also a tool for social aenvironmental sustainability.
