TOURISM SECTOR SET FOR OVERHAUL

Zimbabwes tourism sector is set for an overhaul following the approval of a comprehensive Tourism and Hospitality Industry Policy by Cabinet yesterday.

The framework is tailored to promote and develop a robust tourism and hospitality industry ecosystem, as envisioned by the Constitution of Zimbabwe and the Tourism Act [Chapter 14:20].

Addressing the post-Cabinet briefing yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said the policy was underpinned by six primary goals that included the use of innovative frameworks to accelerate tourism and hospitality industry development and promotion, strengthening human capacity development in the tourism and hospitality industry.

“(It is also aimed at) developing a robust physical and digital infrastructure for the tourism and hospitality industry, strengthening a facilitatory legal and regulatory infrastructure for the tourism and hospitality industry, developing and utilising innovative and stable financing infrastructure for the tourism and hospitality industry and fostering regional and international cooperation to grow the industry,” he said.

Dr Muswere said the policy framework would be supported by a robust institutional framework for coordination, monitoring and implementation modalities among others.

Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Barbara Rwodzi, said the policy was double-pronged, aiming to develop tourism through infrastructure, both physical or digital as well as promoting destination Zimbabwe.

“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 as well as the Presidents Vision 2030 and as well as the direction that he has given in National Development Strategy 1,” she said.

Source