Harare , (New Ziana) –The tourism sector in Zimbabwe should diversify, develop infrastructure and charge competitive prices in order to boost its contribution to the national economy, an official has said.
Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda said this at an induction workshop for members of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Tourism and Hospitality at the weekend.
He said there is need for a strategic approach to revamp the tourism sector in the country, emphasizing the need to move away from relying solely on Victoria Falls as the primary tourist attraction.
Mudenda expressed concern at the high tariffs at the iconic site, warning that exorbitant pricing was discouraging both domestic and international visitors. “The tariff regime at Victoria Falls is not competitive. The tariffs tend to be exorbitant,” he said.
He said there is also urgent need for infrastructural development, particularly in hotel accommodation, to enhance the appeal to tourists.
“The infrastructural development and quality hotel accommodation in the country leave a lot to be desired. I urge the Minister to embark on a proper tourism and hospitality matrix,” he said.
Mudenda said investing in infrastructure, including transport and accommodation facilities, was crucial for making Zimbabwean tourism destinations more accessible and competitive on a global scale.
Speaking at the same occasion, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi outlined the initiatives her Ministry was pursuing to strengthen the sector, including policy measures to improve physical and digital infrastructure, legal and regulatory frameworks, and financing options.
“We are strengthening a facilitatory legal and regulatory infrastructure for the tourism and hospitality industry, developing and utilising innovative and stable financing, and fostering regional and international cooperation to grow the industry,” she said.
Rwodzi acknowledged the need for more infrastructure, particularly in Victoria Falls, where accommodation shortages remain a challenge. “We all know that we need more infrastructure in our country, particularly in our tourism city, Victoria Falls, where there is a huge shortage. But we are now building new infrastructure following the policy, the new trends, and the direction given in the National Development Strategy 1,” she said.
The government has been working to promote “Destination Zimbabwe” by enhancing infrastructure, diversifying tourist attractions, and positioning the country as a competitive tourism hub in the region.
New Ziana
