Published: 7 hours ago

Government is amending tourism legislation to make domestic travel more affordable and encourage Zimbabweans to explore their own country, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi has announced.

The reform comes as the tourism sector consolidates its recovery after years of subdued activity, emerging as one of Zimbabwe's fastest-growing industries and contributing about 17% to the national gross domestic product.

However, Minister Rwodzi noted that despite this progress, many Zimbabweans are still unable to take holidays due to high accommodation and travel costs. The proposed legal changes will aim to reduce such barriers and promote inclusive growth in the industry.

"The part that is lagging is individuals and families visiting holiday destinations," she said during the launch of the 2025 domestic tourism festive season campaign. "The cost of visiting or holidaying is very high, and that's what we are addressing through the amendment of the Act."

Rwodzi said while domestic tourism already accounts for about 75% of tourism activity - largely driven by conferences, business events, sports and religious gatherings - leisure travel among ordinary citizens remains limited.

She applauded tourism operators for maintaining world-class standards and helping to position Zimbabwe as one of Africa's most welcoming destinations. "Our operators and marketers are doing a great job showcasing that Zimbabwe is a peaceful and welcoming destination," she said.

The minister also highlighted the role of improved infrastructure in boosting tourism, citing major airport upgrades such as the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and the Victoria Falls International Airport. "These airports have positioned Zimbabwe as a regional hub, connecting us to major markets," she said. "Access to tourism attractions and events has improved greatly because of the President's infrastructure programme."

Rwodzi added that collaboration between her ministry and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development had enhanced road networks, improving connectivity to key destinations and enabling cities like Victoria Falls, Harare and Bulawayo to host large international events.

To sustain the sector's growth, the ministry is strengthening its cluster-based tourism strategy, which focuses on niche markets such as religious, sports, conference and cultural tourism. "We are marketing and teaching the beauty of Zimbabwe and its people - the warmth, the animals, the culture. We will continue refining our clusters so that every segment of tourism receives focused attention," Rwodzi said.

The upcoming amendments to the Tourism Bill will not only promote affordability but also align the sector's legal framework with current market realities and the government's vision of achieving a US$5 billion tourism industry by 2025.

"We are doing everything to ensure Zimbabwe remains a must-visit destination," Rwodzi said. "But most importantly, we want every Zimbabwean to experience and enjoy their own country."
- NewsDay

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