MARONDERA- All roads last week led to Suswe Lodges in Mutoko, Mashonaland East
province, where the World Tourism Day main commemorations were held.
September 27 of every year was designated by the United Nations to create awareness on the
socio-economic benefits derived from the Travel and Tourism sector, together with its entire
value chains.
In weeks leading to the occasion, a host of activities that have anything to do with tourism sector
were lined up mainly in the host province as the celebrations are hosted in collaboration with
provinces on a rotational basis in line with the Government thrust of leaving no one and no place
behind in terms of tourism development and distribution of tourism benefits.
The theme for this year’s commemorations was: “Tourism and Green Investments” and it placed
huge emphasis on ‘Investing in people, investing in the planet and Investing in prosperity.”
As part of promoting this year’s theme, the Ministry of Tourism will continue to promote Sports
Tourism, Small to Medium Enterprise Tourism business, Religion Tourism, Community Based
Tourism Enterprises such as Rural and Township tourism, hence the marking of the
commemorations at the popular Suswe Lodges.
In her speech, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Barbra Rwodzi said as is the
case in other countries in the world, Zimbabwe was recording massive strides in the tourism
sector.
She said: “Globally, the travel and tourism sector’s performance has significantly improved
during the period between the years 2022 to 2023 after the Covid-19 pandemic which saw
travelling between nations being restricted. Zimbabwe has also recorded pleasing strides in the
same regard.
“The country has witnessed a notable increase in tourist arrivals, receipts and investments and
during the first half of this year, Zimbabwe registered an increase of 62 percent international
tourist arrivals from 366 062 in 2022 to 591 524 in 2023.
“There was also a sharp increase in tourism receipts, with an estimated rise of 16 percent from
US$343 million recorded last year to US$398 million recorded this year over the same period.
Investments ammounts that were made in 2023 increased by 24 per cent in comparison to the
same period last year. A total amount of US$120 million was made and it was a big jump from
the US$96.5 million recorded in 2022.”
Mashonaland East, the country’s World Tourism Day commemorations host province, has many
tourist attractions that have been attracting visitors over the years and these include Gohori
Resort in Mutoko, Imire Park in Hwedza, Makurumure and Nyatana Wildlife Conservancy in
Mudzi.
The province is also known for being the home of the popular Jerusalem Mbende dance, a
masterpiece in Arts and Culture, and the UNESCO proclaimed the dance on its list of Oral and
Intangible Heritage. Religious tourism can also be unlocked in the province through religious
shines that are well-known to Zimbabwe and the outside world. The most popular ones are
Bernard Muzeki shrine in Marondera and the Mutemwa Prayer and Leprosy Centre in Mutoko
district.
Mashonaland East had its input into the review of the National Tourism Policy which will be re-
aligned with the thrusts of the Second Republic, taking cognisance of the emerging and future
trends in the sector.
The National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy, which is Zimbabwe’s tourism sector's
blueprint, has a target to attain a $5 billion tourism economy by 2025.
Meanwhile Rwodzi said she was satisfied with preparations for the 16th edition of the
Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo which will be held from the 12 to the 14th of October in Bulawayo
were shaping up.
She said 276 exhibitors had already confirmed their participation from the target of least 300.
Among the exhibitors are 29 regional organisations coming from South Africa, Rwanda,
Burundi, Malawi, and Zambia whose presence adds a rich variety of cultural experiences to the
showcase and opens up exciting possibilities for continental tourism collaborations.
“The participation of these organisations is testament to the growing significance of
Sanganai/Hlanganani as a key event on the regional tourism calendar and the country’s
engagement efforts,” she said.
Rwodzi said this year the government looks forward to over 4 000 face to face meetings
surpassing the 2 000 achieved in 2022, owing to the increased number of exhibitors and local
corporates speed networking.
