HERITAGE-BASED CLUSTER STRATEGY PROPELS ZIMBABWE’S TOURISM GOALS

The success of the Study Tourism Cluster, Culture and Heritage Cluster, and Rural Tourism Cluster continues to demonstrate how Zimbabwe is effectively integrating sustainability into its tourism development. This holistic and proactive approach was underscored today by the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon Barbara Rwodzi, who delivered a pivotal lecture on Cultural Sustainable Tourism: Balancing Heritage and Development at the Zimbabwe National Defence University (ZNDU) in Harare.

The Minister’s address laid out a compelling case for tourism as a central pillar which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper middle-income economy. She emphasized that tourism’s vital role in realizing this goal is anchored in three core principles: Community Empowerment, Cultural Preservation, and Inclusive Growth. By prioritizing these areas, the sector moves beyond mere revenue generation to foster a shared national prosperity and protect the country’s unique identity.

Minister Rwodzi further noted that the 2025 United Nations Tourism theme, Tourism and Sustainable Transformation, aligns perfectly with Zimbabwe’s current tourism trajectory. This trajectory is intrinsically anchored on Sustainability and Heritage protection, ensuring that growth today does not compromise the resources or cultural integrity for future generations.

A key focus of the Minister’s lecture was the Ministry’s innovative Heritage-Based Tourism Cluster Approach. This strategy, she explained, is not just a marketing tool but a fundamental driver of Policy Formulation. Categorizing tourism activities into clusters like Culture, Study, and Rural, ensures the Ministry policies are tailored to the specific needs of each segment, thereby maximising benefits for local communities.

The lecture was met with keen interest, attended by 35 participants from nine SADC countries, including Zimbabwe, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania, and Zambia. These participants, who are engaging in a regional defence and security course, will soon embark on a comprehensive Domestic Study Tour to witness this sustainable approach in action.

The itinerary includes visits to key cultural and historical sites that exemplify the cluster strategy: the National Heroes Acre in Harare, the ancient stone city of Khami Monuments, the renowned Tengenenge Arts and Craft Centre (showcasing cultural economy), and the iconic natural wonders of Hwange National Park and Victoria Falls.

The lecture served as a powerful testament to Zimbabwe’s commitment to building a tourism industry that is not only economically successful but also culturally responsible and environmentally sound.