Minister Rwodzi Charts Path as Sector Takes Lead in GDP Growth

Itai Mazire

Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi has implored players in the sector to embrace innovation, sustainability, and stronger partnerships to safeguard Zimbabwe’s tourism gains, as the industry now leads national GDP growth ahead of mining and agriculture.

In a speech delivered on her behalf by Tourism Permanent Secretary Dr. Takaruza Munyanyiwa at the Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) Summit and Annual General Meeting in Harare today, Minister Rwodzi said the country stood at a “historic crossroads” following its recent listing by Forbes as the best destination to visit in 2025.

“This is a well-deserved accolade which we should celebrate and sustain going forward. Congratulations, makorokoto, amhlope to the service providers of the tourism and hospitality industry of Zimbabwe.”

The Minister applauded the sector’s resilience in the face of pandemics, economic headwinds, and climate-related shocks, noting that the spirit of Zimbabwean hospitality remains unbroken.

“We have continued to smile, to serve, and to tell our authentic story, hence reaping the rewards now,” she said.

Giving an update on performance, Minister Rwodzi reported that international tourist arrivals grew by 9 percent between January and September 2025 compared to the same period last year, with strong traffic from the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

Domestic travel also surged by 20.9 percent over the same period, while the sector generated approximately USD 922 million in 2025 a 10 percent rise from the USD 839 million recorded last year.

“These are encouraging signs that our recovery is gaining positive traction. But future-proofing requires more than recovery it demands transformation,” she said.

Minister Rwodzi outlined five pillars she said would anchor the transformation of the sector: digitalisation; sustainable and climate-resilient tourism; human capital development; infrastructure and connectivity; and stronger branding and market diversification.

“The future of hospitality is digital,” she said. “We must move from brochures to big data, from paper-based booking to smart platforms.”

She urged operators to embrace online booking systems, virtual reality tourism aids, and other digital tools that enhance visitor experiences.

On sustainability, Minister Rwodzi said protecting Zimbabwe’s natural and cultural heritage was “not an expense it is an investment in the longevity of our industry.”

The Minister stressed the need to invest in human capital, calling on operators to work closely with academia to bridge skills gaps and develop tomorrow’s hospitality innovators. She highlighted the First Lady, Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa’s gastronomy vision as a key avenue for elevating Zimbabwe’s culinary offerings.

On infrastructural development across the country, she said it remained central to competitiveness: “A tourist’s journey begins long before they reach our front desk — it begins on a road, a runway, or a mobile network.”

Minister Rwodzi reiterated that Government is committed to creating an enabling environment, pointing to the recent reduction of tourism fees by up to 50 percent to lower operating costs.

“Future-proofing cannot be achieved by Government alone,” she said. “The private sector is the engine of creativity, investment, and service excellence.”

Her call for collaboration was anchored on an African proverb which states that, “Tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.”

The Minister said the role of HAZ remained critical as Zimbabwe eyes increased international tourist inflows.

“The world’s eyes are turning towards Zimbabwe. We have the assets, we have the people, we have the passion so why not?” she said.

“To HAZ, your role has never been more critical. You are the unified voice of the hospitality industry. Your strength lies in your collective action.”

She said the ongoing summit provided a platform to “strategise, innovate, and build consensus” as the sector pushes towards Vision 2030.

“The potential is vast. The time is now. Let us build not just an industry, but a legacy,” said Minister Rwodzi.