Story by Theophilus Chuma
The tourism sector is on an massive drive to court for interest from South Africa targeted to boost arrivals during this festive period through an initiative dubbed “Travel and Experience Zimbabwe” campaign .
Through the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality , and key stakeholders in the sector, the country is seeking to ring-fence the positive trajectory so far recorded in the sector with official figures showing close to 400 000 arrivals in the second quarter of this year which is a 19 percent jump in arrivals compared to the same period last year.
At a meeting convened in Johannesburg this Friday, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Honourable Barbra Rwodzi dangled investment opportunities as well as the country’s tourism products to South African delegates.
“We are inviting all visitors to come and experience Zimbabwe. We have strategic opportunities such as the development of the Masuwe area in Victoria Falls, which is earmarked for transformative projects like the ICC stadium for the U-19 Cricket World Cup,” she said.
Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in the country earmarked to make significant contributions towards the country’s economic turnaround efforts.
The sector is targeting to grow into a US$5 billion economy by next year as outlined in the National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy.
Government is prioritising investment in the sector to ensure the country remains competitive within the global tourism market.
According to the latest figures issued through treasury , international tourist arrivals within Africa continue to maintain poll position with at least two hundred and fifty five thousand arrivals recorded within the second quarter of this year.
