The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube
Business Correspondent
TOURISM and Hospitality Minister, Honourable Barbara Rwodzi has said her ministry is transforming tourism categories into clusters that will form the basis of a tourism promotion and development strategy.
Speaking during the Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) national congress last week in Juliasdale, Minister Rwodzi said: “The clusters shall include rural tourism, sports tourism, religion, business, culture and customs, wildlife and holidaying, among others.
The congress was held under the theme ‘Harnessing investment for hospitality and tourism excellence.’
“In the implementation of our programmes, we shall promote and implement through a collaborative approach. In addition, our strategy pivots on the private sector and shall also include all special interest groups in the spirit of leaving no one and no place behind.”
The Minister also said Government is working on upgrading airports and main trunk roads to improve accessibility to tourism destinations.
“Addressing this infrastructure aspect is a key component in providing increased capacity which will allow the sector to contribute meaningfully to economic growth.
“We also are aware that funding is required for the accommodation sector to refurbish or upgrade the current facilities, most of which are tired and outdated.
“In this regard, we want to applaud President Mnangagwa on the extension of the tourism duty rebate facility to tourism players as this has helped tourism operators to expand and refurbish their facilities.
“We will continue looking into the possibilities of increasing the number incentives meant to grow the sector.”
Minister Rwodzi hailed tourism and hospitality players for ensuring that the tourism sector bounces back.
The tourism and hospitality industry contributes 4.25 percent to the national Gross Domestic Product and two percent to the total employment in the country.
Newly elected HAZ president and veteran hotelier, Mr Brian Nyakutombwa said it is time for Zimbabwe to re-discover and re-establish herself as a tourism destination by being easily accessible, as well as having adequate and world class accommodation facilities.
The HAZ president pledged to work towards the continued upliftment of service delivery in the sector to give customers excellent experiences.
Mr Nyakutombwa, who is also Montclair Hotel and Casino general manager, took over from Mr Farai Chimba.
He will be deputised by entrepreneur and experienced hotelier, Ms Emma Kativhu. Cresta Churchill hotel general manager, Mr Kudzai Ratisai, is the new second vice president.
Said Mr Nyakutombwa: “My aim is to see the hospitality and tourism industry being a mainstay contributor to the national GDP and development through increased occupancy and spending by both domestic and foreign tourists.
“Another important area that I shall also be keen to see addressed is the availability of affordable funding for new projects and the refurbishment of existing establishments to improve their ambience.
“I am convinced that it is time for Zimbabwe to re-discover and re-establish herself as a destination of choice in the global tourism value chain by being easily accessible, having adequate and world class accommodation facilities and harnessing the diversified activities that cater for travellers’ different tastes,” he said.
