In a decisive move towards shaping Zimbabwe’s economic future, the Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe (TBCZ) has made a strong case for travel and tourism to become the country’s leading economic driver by 2050. Speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday, TBCZ President Clive Chinwada emphasized that the tourism sector holds immense potential to surpass traditional industries such as agriculture and mining in contributing to the nation’s GDP.
For years, the TBCZ has championed the idea that Zimbabwe’s travel and tourism sector should be the backbone of the economy, and recent developments suggest this vision is closer than ever to being realized. The Council is calling on the government to adopt this vision as a national policy, with a concrete strategy to ensure its success. “We believe that tourism should not just be a supporting player but the mainstay of Zimbabwe’s economy by 2050,” said Chinwada.
The Council’s confidence in this goal is not without precedent. Chinwada pointed to the 1996 Victoria Falls Summit, where SADC Heads of State recognized tourism as the “Industry of the Future.” In Zimbabwe, this sentiment has gained traction, with the tourism sector occasionally outpacing other industries in GDP contribution in recent years. The Council now urges the government to make this a permanent shift.
The TBCZ outlined several critical factors for achieving this vision. These include the establishment of a clear government policy aiming for a 15 to 20 percent GDP contribution from tourism by 2050, identifying and removing obstacles to growth, fostering public-private partnerships, and ensuring world-class infrastructure in all areas affecting tourism. Moreover, the Council emphasized the importance of embracing tourism’s potential as a nation, committing to sustainability, and safeguarding the environment and cultural heritage as the sector expands.
As Zimbabwe emerges from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the TBCZ is optimistic about the sustained growth of the tourism sector. “The post-COVID resurgence in our industry has shown that we are on the right track. With the right policies and partnerships, we can maintain this momentum and make tourism the leading pillar of our economy,” Chinwada concluded.
The TBCZ, along with its affiliated sectoral associations, is already working closely with the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, and other key stakeholders to create a conducive environment for achieving this ambitious goal. The Council remains committed to playing a pivotal role in this national effort, ensuring that Zimbabwe’s tourism sector reaches its full potential by mid-century.
