Story by Fairstars Mukungurutse
RELIGIOUS tourism has been cited as a low hanging fruit that can be capitalised on to boost the local economy.
Global trends indicate that pilgrimage and religious tourism significantly contribute to tourism growth, hence the need for Zimbabwe to tap into this low-hanging fruit.
Welcoming congregants from different parts of the world who came to attend the annual Johanne Masowe eChishanu pilgrimage at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, Vapostori4ED and Johane Masowe leaders pledged commitment to continue marketing Zimbabwe as a safe tourist destination.
“It is we, the people of Zimbabwe who have a mandate to portray our country as a safe place. As you can see, people from different continents have come to attend the conference,” Chairperson – Vapostori4ED, Madzibaba Moses Gwasira said.
“When we go back to the United Kingdom, we have a job to do that is letting people know that Zimbabwe is a blessed country, endowed with God-given natural resources. They should come here and see for themselves that we are a peace-loving country,” Johane Masowe Chishanu UK branch, Madzibaba Acknage said.
“As the country’s leadership often says, the country is built by its people, every Zimbabwean must be proud of their country, no one will come and develop it for us,” Johane Masowe Chishanu, Madzibaba Owen Chingondo said.
In the wake of drug and substance abuse and other social vices, people were urged to be prayerful.
“I urge all people in this country to be prayerful in order to tackle social ills such as drug abuse that have affected the young generation,” a church member said.
“It is us women who have the sole responsibility of nurturing children,” madzimai said.
Zimbabwe continues to receive religious delegates from across the globe, with an American Seventh Day Adventist Church preacher, Pastor Pavel Goia, in the country for a two-week Seventh Day Adventist Church (SDA) Bible Seminar.
The country also has numerous religious sites such as Mafararikwa in Manicaland Province, Defe Dopota in Gokwe, and Mbungo in Masvingo, which have long been key for religious tourism to thrive.
