Minister Rwodzi Highlights Tourism as Catalyst for National Growth and Heritage Preservation

Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi has reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s tourism sector as a cornerstone of national development, community empowerment, and cultural preservation.

Speaking at the Zimbabwe National Defence University (ZNDU) in Harare, Rwodzi delivered a lecture titled “Cultural Sustainable Tourism: Balancing Heritage and Development,” emphasizing the sector’s growing role in shaping inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Rwodzi said the success of the Study Tourism, Culture and Heritage, and Rural Tourism Clusters showcases Zimbabwe’s progress in integrating sustainability into its tourism development agenda. “The Heritage-Based Tourism Cluster Approach drives policy formulation and ensures that tourism benefits communities,” she said.

She noted that Zimbabwe’s tourism strategy aligns closely with the 2025 United Nations Tourism theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.” The alignment, she said, reflects Zimbabwe’s focus on building a tourism model that promotes both environmental stewardship and socio-economic resilience.

Rwodzi added that heritage-based tourism fuels economic growth while preserving cultural identity. “Our tourism must tell the Zimbabwean story, empower local communities, and protect our heritage. Every cultural site and every tradition is a part of who we are, and it must contribute to national development,” she said.

The minister underscored that Zimbabwe’s tourism growth relies on empowering local communities to take ownership of cultural and natural assets. Through training, infrastructure development, and promotion of local enterprises, the government aims to create a people-centered tourism industry that delivers tangible benefits.

The lecture drew 35 participants from nine Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states, including Zimbabwe, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Botswana, and Zambia. The participants will embark on a study tour to key cultural and historical landmarks such as the National Heroes Acre, Khami Monuments, Tengenenge Arts and Craft Centre, Hwange, and Victoria Falls.

ZNDU Vice Chancellor and Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Michael T. Moyo, commended the Ministry of Tourism for advancing sustainable and heritage-based tourism practices. He said the collaboration between academic institutions and government is vital in shaping policies that balance heritage preservation with development goals.

Rwodzi’s message reinforced Zimbabwe’s commitment to making tourism a driver of sustainable transformation, community pride, and cultural continuity. She said the government remains focused on policies that strengthen the link between heritage, tourism, and inclusive national growth.