The Tourism Innovation Challenge competition bankrolled by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority is a testament to the success of the government’s Vision 2030,the minister of Environment ,Climate, and Tourism Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu has said .
By Mcdonald Tinashe Ndava
He was speaking at the Tourism Innovation Challenge awards ceremony today.
“Zimbabwe’s youth talent is spread right through all corners of the country and the strategic decision to take the Tourism Innovation Challenge to all 10 provinces is applauded.
“This is testament of the success of the Second Republics devolution agenda which seeks to spread opportunities without leaving any region and anyone behind, thereby harnessing the best of diverse youth talent that our country has,”Minister Mangaliso said.
He also said government is committed to youth participation in the economy.
“The government is committed to youth participation in the economy and has created an environment for the youth to innovate and make Zimbabwe’s tourism better through the various Innovation Hubs that have been established in our state universities across the country,”he added.
The minister challenged other stakeholders to support youth in tourism.
“The focus on youth in tourism is a transformation that requires multi-stakeholder support as we renew and bolster our tourism for a stronger sector. Today I appeal to the Minister of Finance and Economic Development to continuously support the youth by availing a special fund for innovations in tourism,” said the minister.
“Furthermore, I challenge you to use your digital skills to market destination Zimbabwe online and change our tourism narrative to a positive one.
“When we look at it, innovation assumes that our tourism is an oyster, presenting diverse opportunities for the youth to actively and successfully participate in the industry,”he challenged.
The winners of the second edition of the Tourism Innovation Challenge are Tumelo Mabanga,Harare Province (US$7 500),Simpiwe Mguni,US$2 500,First Runner Up,Mangwe District,Matebeleland South and Innocent Makonese ,US$1 250 ,Masvingo Province.
