First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa has called for greater investment in sustainable tourism as Zimbabwe seeks to protect its natural heritage while ensuring communities benefit from the sector’s growth.
Dr Mnangagwa, who was represented by Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Barbara Rwodzi at the Sanganai/Hlanganani Zimbabwe Tourism Expo awards ceremony in Masvingo, said the country needed to embrace environmentally responsible, socially inclusive and economically resilient tourism practices.
She urged stakeholders across the tourism value chain to invest in climate-smart infrastructure, strengthen conservation programmes and empower communities living around tourism destinations.
“As such, we must be well positioned to embrace this global agenda,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa said climate change posed future challenges to tourism and called for responsible business practices that would strengthen the industry’s capacity to withstand environmental and economic shocks.
She emphasised that local communities should be treated as key beneficiaries of tourism, particularly given their proximity to the country’s wildlife, cultural and natural attractions.
The First Lady said sustainable tourism should strike a balance between economic development and the preservation of resources for future generations.
Her call comes as Zimbabwe continues to position tourism as a major contributor to employment creation, foreign currency generation, infrastructure development and inclusive economic growth.
She also stressed the importance of collaboration between Government, the private sector, communities and development partners to unlock new investment opportunities, diversify tourism products and improve skills within the industry.
Dr Mnangagwa said the collective approach would help Zimbabwe build a tourism sector capable of responding effectively to emerging challenges while strengthening the country’s position on the international tourism market.
She reaffirmed her commitment to initiatives promoting inclusive, responsible and sustainable tourism and encouraged stakeholders to continue marketing Zimbabwe as a destination of choice.
The First Lady said the country’s warm hospitality, breathtaking landscapes, rich history and storytelling traditions remained important assets in attracting visitors and strengthening Destination Zimbabwe.