President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced significant growth in Zimbabwe’s tourism and hospitality sector, highlighting its role in raising the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from US$16 billion in 2018 to over US$44 billion today.
Speaking at the launch of the Tourism and Hospitality Industry Policy at State House in Harare, President Mnangagwa said the sector has become a key contributor to the national economy, alongside manufacturing, agriculture, and mining.
“To further consolidate this growth trajectory, my Government adopted a comprehensive Tourism and Hospitality Industry Growth Strategy, which includes the development and implementation of a robust tourism policy,” he said.
The new policy provides a framework for sustainable tourism development, focusing on improving visitor experiences, attracting investment, and leveraging Zimbabwe’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
President Mnangagwa praised the broad stakeholder consultations involved in creating the policy. He stressed the importance of involving local communities and ensuring tourism benefits reach rural and urban areas alike.
“The socio-economic benefits from the tourism sector should ultimately cascade to all Zimbabweans, including marginalized and vulnerable communities,” he said.
He also called for careful protection of natural habitats and cultural values as the industry modernizes. “The development of new tourism products must not harm our flora, fauna, or cultural traditions,” he added.
Key goals outlined in the policy include using innovative strategies to grow the sector, strengthening human capacity development, improving physical and digital infrastructure, enhancing legal frameworks, and promoting regional and international cooperation.
President Mnangagwa emphasized a “Whole-of-Government” approach for effective implementation, with clear roles for ministries, departments, and agencies. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a tripartite tourism model: private sector-driven, community-owned, and government-facilitated.
The President highlighted recent investments in airport branding, border posts, and the refurbishment of flagship hotels such as Rainbow Tourism Group, Cresta, and Africa Sun. Road upgrades targeting tourist sites, including the Beitbridge-Chirundu Road and the upcoming Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road, were also noted as priorities.
Among major projects, the ongoing construction of a 10,000-seat cricket stadium in the Masuwe Special Economic Zone in Victoria Falls was commended.
President Mnangagwa applauded the decision to host the Sanganai/Hlanganani Tourism Expo in Manicaland Province, linking it to the government’s devolution agenda. He expressed hope that provincial festivals like the Intwasaw Arts Festival in Bulawayo, Budula Cultural Festival in Chikombedzi, Ndau Festival of the Arts in Chipinge, and Nyanga Arts Festival would further promote community tourism and sustainable practices.
The President also called for increased use of digital platforms and ICT to boost tourism marketing, urging attention to language diversity to better reach source markets.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi highlighted Zimbabwe’s appeal as a safe and attractive destination. She noted regional data placing Zimbabwe sixth among the most visited countries in Southern Africa and cited positive feedback from international tourists.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Province, Charles Tawengwa, welcomed the policy as aligned with the government’s “Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo” philosophy. He expressed readiness for implementation and confidence in the policy’s ability to boost tourism and showcase Zimbabwe’s unique attractions.
The event drew Vice President Kembo Mohadi, Cabinet ministers, legislators, senior officials, and key tourism industry stakeholders.
Zimbabwe’s new Tourism and Hospitality Industry Policy sets a strong foundation for sustainable growth, community empowerment, and increased global competitiveness in the sector.
