By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Environment, Climate Change, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu has appealed to treasury to fund tourism innovations by youth.
Speaking at the second edition of the Tourism Innovation Challenge Wednesday, Ndlovu also appealed to youth to develop bankable projects.
“I appeal to the Minister of Finance and Economic Development to continuously support the youth by availing a special fund for innovations in tourism.
“To the banks and financial institutions, I appeal to you to mentor our youth and help them to develop bankable projects,” Minister Ndlovu said.
“To the tourism Industry I appeal to you to take an interest in youth projects and implement them in the sector.”
Minister Ndlovu told finalists to implement their projects and establish themselves within the tourism industry whether they won a prize or not.
Tumelo Mabanga emerged winner of the second edition of the Tourism Innovation Challenge.
The challenge aligns with Government’s thrust on innovation in which the youth are at the core of Zimbabwe’s innovation programs.
He said government was committed to youth participation in the economy and Zimbabwe’s tourism through Innovation Hubs established in state universities.
The National Development Strategy (NDS1) has a section dedicated to Innovation, Science and Technology Development.
“It presents various areas that are more aligned to the youth and innovation has been deliberately included as a critical component to unlock youth potential for Zimbabwe to realise its full economic potential,” he said.
The focus on youth in tourism, he said, required multi-stakeholder support to bolster tourism for a stronger sector.
He challenged youth to use digital skills to market destination Zimbabwe online and change tourism narrative to a positive one.
Minister Ndlovu also thanked UNWTO for their commitment to support innovation programs.
He said the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority had successfully run the challenge and nurtured youth to be effective tourism players.
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