Wednesday, July 10, 2024
Reading time: 3 minutes
The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry held discussions with media experts in Harare on Monday this week in a key effort to boost the local tourism sector. The strategic collaboration comes as the country prepares to host the prestigious United Nations African Culinary Summit and SADC Summit next month, a golden opportunity to attract a surge in tourists and stimulate economic growth.
Establishment of the Zimbabwe Tourism Foundation
Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Barbara Lwozi, has advocated for the Zimbabwe Tourism Fund to be run as an independent entity. “The Zimbabwe Tourism Fund should be separated from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA). According to the Tourism Act, 2% of revenue from tourists should be directed to the fund. Revenue from food and beverage establishments and performance venues should be contributed independently to this fund, allowing the ministry to report transparently. This fund is vital to the promotion and development of tourism,” Minister Lwozi stressed.
The role of media in promoting tourism
Minister Luwozi emphasised the important role the media plays in shaping public perception and enhancing Zimbabwe’s tourism potential. “Our marketing efforts for Zimbabwe are incomplete without the media. My discussions today with the Ministry of Information and media representatives focused on joint strategies to effectively promote our country,” she said. Journalists at the event emphasised the mutual benefit of continued collaboration with the ministry to effectively promote Zimbabwe’s tourism sector both at the national and international stage.
Upcoming Tourism Events
Zimbabwe is going through a critical period in its tourism development, with several important initiatives underway aimed at boosting the sector.
United Nations Africa Gastronomy Summit: Scheduled to be held in the city of Victoria Falls from 26-28 July 2024, the summit will be a significant step in promoting Zimbabwe as a top gastronomy tourism destination. Tourism and Conservation Roundtable: To be held on 11 July 2024, the event aims to address the sector’s challenges, identify areas for improvement, celebrate successes and foster a sustainable and resilient tourism industry.
Infrastructure and Sustainable Tourism
Minister Luwozi highlighted the potential of the Zimbabwe Tourism Fund to support infrastructure projects such as improved signage along major highways, the expansion of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, upgrading roads etc. The move aims to ensure that revenue generated from tourism is directly reinvested in the tourism sector to drive sustainable growth and development.
The role of media in global marketing activities
The collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism and the media is crucial in strengthening Zimbabwe’s global marketing efforts. The media’s ability to craft a compelling story and showcase the country’s attractions plays a key role in reaching audiences around the world. High-quality footage and impactful reporting can effectively showcase Zimbabwe’s unique attractions, from Victoria Falls to its rich cultural heritage.
Government Initiatives for Tourism
In his closing remarks, Deputy Minister Tongai Mnangagwa expressed his appreciation for the role of the media in facilitating meaningful dialogue and shedding light on the importance of tourism in Zimbabwe. “Your valuable input enriched our discussions and highlighted the challenges and opportunities ahead. We discussed the current state of tourism in Zimbabwe and government efforts to revitalize this important sector,” he said.
Conclusion
Zimbabwe’s focus on improving its tourism sector through strategic initiatives and media engagement has laid a clear path to becoming a leading tourist destination in Africa and globally. By implementing these strategies, Zimbabwe can significantly improve its global tourism profile, attract more tourists and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
Tags: Africa, African Travel News, Hospitality Industry, Sustainable Tourism, Roundtable on Tourism and Conservation:, Travel News, United Nations African Gastronomic Summit, Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Tourism Board, Zimbabwe Tourism Foundation, Zimbabwe Travel News
