Wild Africa in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), hosted a high-level round table meeting in Harare yesterday. The event brought together stakeholders from various sectors, including government officials, tourism directors, and conservation experts, to discuss and find solutions to the problems affecting the sector.
The Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honorable Barbara Rwodzi, standing in for the Guest of Honor, the First Lady of Zimbabwe Dr Auxilia Mnangagwa, who is also the patron of tourism, graced the occasion. She said “Tourism is an economic force, and in Zimbabwe tourism is number three coming after mining and agriculture. She also said ”we are seeing and getting rewards of gastronomy tourism”
She also heaped praises on Wild Africa Fund for helping to push the Brand Zimbabwe which was also concurred by her deputy Hon Tongai Mnangagwa in his speech. The meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and share ideas on how to revitalize the tourism industry.
The round table meeting focused on key issues such as the relationship between tourism and enviroment conservation, infrastructure development, marketing strategies, and policy reforms. Participants also discussed the importance of collaboration and partnerships in promoting sustainable tourism practices.
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Mr Guy Jennings.Phoocredit- Tsitsi Betha
The director of Zimparks, who was represented by Professor Gandiwa, emphasized its commitment to working closely with stakeholders to address the challenges facing the sector. He highlighted the need for collective efforts to boost tourism, saying, “70% of all visitors are motivated by nature-based projects.” hence the need to look after our environment.
Mr Juru one of the panelists also gave an insight about green buildings. He gave emphasises about the need to adapt green buildings. Green buildings are buildings that have materials coming from the environment to reduce negative impact impacts on the environment.
Mr Ndaimane also highlighted that the tourism sector in Zimbabwe also received one student from United States of America for his research and they are looking forward to receive more students.
Wild Africa coordinator Mr Guy Jennings, a leading tourism operator who funded the event, reiterated his support for the initiative, stating, “We are committed to contributing to the growth of Zimbabwe’s tourism industry. We are passionate about the brand Zimbabwe,” he said.
He was also amazed at the massive turnout of people who thronged the Cresta Lodge for the discussions. This round table meeting is a step in the right direction, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with the ZTA and other stakeholders.
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Hon Rwodzi receiving gifts on behalf of First Lady Dr Auxilia Mnangagwa.Photocredit- Tsitsi Betha
The first section of the meeting concluded with a call to action, as stakeholders pledged to work together to address the challenges facing the tourism sector. The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and Wild Africa expressed their gratitude to the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry and gave her and the first lady with gifts.
The tourism industry continues to face challenges, and the round table meeting marked a significant step towards finding solutions and promoting sustainable tourism practices in Zimbabwe. With collective efforts and a shared vision, stakeholders are optimistic about the future of tourism in the country.
Delegates at the Tourism Roundtable. Photocredit- Tsitsi Betha