Leonard Ncube
TOURISM and Hospitality Industry Minister, Cde Barbara Rwodzi, has commended the country’s security services for maintaining pro-tourism operations, which promotes improved destination image and results in increased arrivals.
Speaking at the inaugural Scholastic Tourism Conference at the 17th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo in Bulawayo, Minister Rwodzi said the country’s tourism industry surpassed agriculture and mining as the top contributor to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) after arrivals increased by over 80 percent in the first half of the year.
On a lighter note, she said she always jokes with the Minister of Home Affairs, Cde Kazembe Kazembe, not to be stringent at ports of entry. In the past tourism players had complained of negative treatment of tourists at roadblocks.
“I am always talking with my colleague, Minister Kazembe and tell him that your security is too much. Improve your systems and I’m happy that there are new systems that are just coming in now.
“Let them go to their hotel. Let them book, sleep. Let them have at least have two dinners. Then you arrest them. Do not block them at the airport. Don’t block them at the border.
“Follow them so that you investigate to arrest, don’t arrest to investigate. So, while are you still investigating, they are booked somewhere. They are spending money and we remain on the top of contributing to the GDP. So, we are very happy that all accommodation in Bulawayo is fully booked,” said Minister Rwodzi.
She said the tourism sector contributes 12 percent to the GDP.
“Tourism is leading contribution to the GDP by 12 percent. We are proud and we aim to keep moving higher and be the biggest contributor,” said Cde Rwodzi. “Over the years tourism has been ranked 3rd after agriculture and mining but in the first half of the year tourism is number 1 after an 83 percent increase in our arrivals. Our aim is to consolidate this achievement,” she said.
Minister Rwodzi said the sector is guided by the doctrine of heritage based tourism hence tourism endowments such as landscapes, food, culture, sports and others are a draw card to travellers.
She said tourism is cluster-based and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions are part of the package.
“We know that nothing beats heritage for the fact that it is what you are and is a pull factor in our tourism,” said Rwodzi while expressing delight at the resounding success of the 2024 Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, which has Bulawayo hotels being fully booked.
“I was very happy, this morning (Thursday) when I was briefed that all hotels in Bulawayo are full. All that we want, all that we aim for, as the tourism and Hospitality Industry, is to ensure that all hotels are full.”
Zimbabwe has over the years endured negative publicity in the outside world and Government has said local media should help build the Zimbabwean image and tell the correct positive story.
