ZIMBABWE CHARTS A NEW COURSE FOR TOURISM WITH WORLD BANK COLLABORATION

A significant stride was made today as the Acting Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Ms. T. Musonza, officially opened the World Bank Validation Workshop on the Tourism Sector Regulatory Regime.

Held at the prestigious Monomotapa Hotel, this crucial workshop, a collaborative effort with the World Bank, marked a concerted drive to reshape and refine Zimbabwe’s tourism landscape.

Mr. Ryan Kuo, representing the World Bank as its Economist, joined key stakeholders from across the industry, uniting their expertise to rigorously assess and enhance the nation’s existing tourism regulatory framework. The collective aim was clear: to significantly boost the sector’s competitiveness on a global scale, ensure its long-term sustainability, and foster an environment ripe for innovation.

During her opening address, Ms. Musonza powerfully articulated the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to cultivating a tourism environment that is not only more enabling but also highly responsive to the evolving demands of the industry. Her remarks underscored the government’s proactive approach to creating conditions that allow tourism businesses to thrive, attracting greater investment and facilitating seamless operations.

She conveyed profound appreciation for the World Bank’s consistent and invaluable support, recognizing the partnership as an indispensable force in the strategic mission to reposition Zimbabwe as a premier destination. This collaboration, she emphasized, is vital for attracting visitors from across the region and indeed, from every corner of the globe, solidifying Zimbabwe’s place on the international tourism map.

The workshop itself served as a dynamic platform for robust dialogue and expert contributions, bringing together diverse perspectives essential for a comprehensive review. Participants delved into various aspects of the regulatory framework, identifying areas for improvement, streamlining processes, and ensuring that policies are aligned with international best practices. The emphasis was on crafting regulations that protect the environment and local communities, while simultaneously fostering growth and investment.

Zimbabwe is refining these guidelines, with the aim to enhance visitor experience, ensure high standards of service, and create a predictable operating environment for tourism businesses. This proactive engagement is set to unlock the sector’s immense potential, allowing it to contribute even more significantly to national economic development and job creation. The successful culmination of this validation workshop heralds a new era for Zimbabwean tourism, built on principles of efficiency, sustainability, and unparalleled visitor appeal.