Minister Barbara Rwodzi, who is at the helm of the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, is standing out for her tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to excellence. As a civil servant, she has consistently gone above and beyond to promote the tourism industry, exceeding expectations and setting new standards.
The minister, who recently held a discussion with the media along with her deputy minister, Honorable Tongai Mnangagwa, outlined how they want everyone to get involved in promoting tourism in Zimbabwe.
They challenged the media to play their role in promoting the Zimbabwe brand. She also gave emphasis on how the masses listen to the media more than the government, hence the need to portray Zimbabwe as a safe destination as it is.
Her dedication to her work together with Zimbabwe Tourism Authority is evident in the way they have embraced the upcoming SADC summit as an opportunity to showcase the best of Zimbabwe’s tourism offerings. With her guidance, the industry is poised to reap maximum benefits from this prestigious event.
Minister Rwodzi’s leadership and expertise has been instrumental in crafting packages that cater to diverse visitor needs. Under her tenure, Zimbabwe has received 700 million tourists traveling internationally between January and July 2023, a 43% increase from the same period in 2022. Her attention to detail and collaborative approach has ensured that supporting staff are well-equipped to provide exceptional services to visitors arriving in the country.
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She and her ministry have started an initiative to cluster tourism so that each cluster will be given the attention it needs. She reported that they now have 11 clusters which include religious tourism, sports tourism, and gastronomy tourism, to mention a few.
Her vision is to attain US$5 billion by 2025 for the economy of Zimbabwe. She also has a vision that extends beyond the SADC summit itself, as she strives to create a lasting impact on the local community and economy. By promoting tourism initiatives that benefits everyone involved, Hon. Rwodzi is a shining example of a minister who truly embodies the spirit of public service.
The tourism industry is fortunate to have her at the helm, driving progress and inspiring others to work towards a common goal. Her selflessness, expertise, and passion for tourism development makes her an invaluable asset to the sector.
As the SADC summit approaches, all eyes are on the tourism minister to deliver yet another resounding success. With her at the helm, there is no doubt that Zimbabwe’s tourism industry will continue to thrive and reach new heights.
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