Tourism Operators Urged to Adopt Greener Practices

The Zimbabwe tourism industry has been challenged to accelerate the adoption of environmentally friendly infrastructure and sustainable waste-management practices as the country prepares for the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027.

Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi said the sector’s long-term competitiveness depended on its ability to respond to climate change, protect natural resources and integrate environmentally responsible practices into tourism operations.

Speaking at the launch of the National Committee for the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027 at Hyatt Regency Meikles Hotel in Harare on Monday, Rwodzi called on accommodation providers and other industry players to embrace green technologies and sustainable business models.

She identified environmentally friendly water-heating systems as one of the practical interventions that could improve sustainability within the hospitality sector.

The Minister said tourism establishments should consider adopting solar and biomass technologies for water heating, noting that the transition would require investment and a phased approach to implementation.

She indicated that pilot projects involving green water-heating systems should be pursued as part of the country’s preparations for the 2027 programme.

Minister Rwodzi said sustainability in tourism extended beyond climate change mitigation to include responsible resource utilisation, environmental protection and the economic empowerment of communities.

She highlighted the importance of strengthening waste-management systems across tourism facilities, particularly through innovative approaches that could convert waste into useful resources.

The Minister pointed to the potential of composting organic waste for agricultural production and exploring waste-to-energy solutions that could generate electricity.

Such approaches, she said, could strengthen the relationship between tourism, agriculture and environmental conservation while reducing the industry’s environmental footprint.

Zimbabwe’s tourism sustainability drive is also expected to place greater emphasis on communities, which the Minister described as custodians of the country’s tourism resources.

She said the protection of heritage sites, wildlife, landscapes and other attractions required communities to be actively involved in tourism development and to benefit economically from the sector.

Minister Rwodzi encouraged tourism operators to strengthen local procurement by sourcing products and services from surrounding communities, particularly agricultural producers, women-led businesses and young entrepreneurs.

She said local participation in tourism supply chains was essential to ensuring that the benefits of tourism development reached communities and supported broader economic transformation.

The Minister further stressed that tourism sustainability should be reflected in infrastructure development, accommodation facilities and the food industry, rather than being treated as a standalone environmental initiative.

The International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027 provides Zimbabwe with an opportunity to promote responsible tourism practices, strengthen cooperation among stakeholders and demonstrate practical approaches to environmental sustainability.

The National Committee, comprising 26 members drawn from Government, the private sector, development partners, academia and other stakeholders, is expected to coordinate the country’s activities during the International Year.

The implementation framework will include awareness campaigns, practical interventions and the showcasing of good practices, with the broader objective of ensuring that sustainability commitments translate into lasting improvements within the tourism industry.

The initiative comes amid growing recognition that tourism destinations must balance economic growth with environmental responsibility and community development to remain competitive and resilient in an increasingly challenging global environment.