By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
MAZOWE – Local communities must not be spectators but active beneficiaries of tourism growth, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon. Tongai Mnangagwa said today, as he opened stakeholder consultations on Zimbabwe’s new tourism strategy.
Speaking at Baradzanwa Cultural Centre in Mazowe, Mnangagwa told delegates that the National Tourism Sector Strategy (2026–2030) places inclusive development at its core, with a specific focus on creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and promoting cultural heritage at the grassroots level.
“Tourism must deliver inclusive benefits—creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and promoting cultural heritage at the grassroots level,” the Deputy Minister said, outlining one of the strategy’s key objectives.
The strategy, which is being developed through a series of provincial consultations, seeks to ensure that tourism growth translates into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans, particularly those in rural and peri-urban communities.
Mnangagwa emphasised that community empowerment is not an afterthought but a fundamental pillar of the strategy, which aims to provide a unified vision for tourism development across government, the private sector, and local communities.
“A unified vision for tourism development in Zimbabwe ensures that government, private sector, and communities are aligned in their efforts, working towards shared national goals,” he said.
The Deputy Minister also highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage, noting that tourism development must safeguard Zimbabwe’s rich traditions for future generations while creating economic opportunities for local people.
“Promote responsible tourism that balances economic growth with environmental protection and cultural preservation, safeguarding our heritage for future generations,” he told the gathering.
Stakeholders at the workshop, which included representatives from local authorities, community groups, academia, and development partners, were invited to contribute ideas on how the strategy can better serve grassroots communities.
The consultations form part of a broader effort to ensure that the final strategy is both technically sound and responsive to the needs and opportunities of communities across all provinces.
Mnangagwa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment that supports inclusive tourism growth, adding that the sector’s success ultimately depends on the active participation and buy-in of local communities.
“Your contributions today will therefore be instrumental in ensuring that this Strategy is both technically sound and responsive to the needs and opportunities of the sector,” he said.
The National Tourism Sector Strategy is expected to be finalised later this year, guiding tourism development through to 2030 with a strong emphasis on empowerment, inclusivity, and community-led growth.
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