By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
MAZOWE – A delicate balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship lies at the heart of Zimbabwe’s proposed five-year tourism strategy, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon. Tongai M. Mnangagwa told stakeholders in Mazowe today.
Speaking at the opening of the National Tourism Sector Strategy consultation at Baradzanwa Cultural Centre, Mnangagwa emphasised that the country’s tourism development must be guided by principles of responsibility, sustainability, and cultural preservation.
“Promote responsible tourism that balances economic growth with environmental protection and cultural preservation, safeguarding our heritage for future generations,” the Deputy Minister said, outlining one of the eight strategic pillars of the draft strategy.
The National Tourism Sector Strategy (2026–2030) seeks to provide a comprehensive framework for the sustainable growth, competitiveness, inclusivity, and resilience of Zimbabwe’s tourism sector, while responding to emerging global trends and sustainability imperatives.
Mnangagwa told delegates that the strategy aims to ensure that tourism development does not come at the expense of the environment or the country’s rich cultural heritage.
“Safeguarding our heritage for future generations” is a core objective, he said, underscoring the need for a tourism model that protects natural resources, wildlife, and cultural sites while delivering economic benefits.
The Deputy Minister also highlighted the importance of building resilience against shocks, including climate change, which poses a growing threat to Zimbabwe’s tourism assets, particularly its wildlife and water-dependent attractions.
“Build capacity to withstand shocks, whether from pandemics, climate change, or economic downturns, ensuring the sector remains adaptive and strong,” he told the gathering.
The strategy, which is being developed through a series of provincial stakeholder consultations, is structured around eight strategic pillars designed to transform Zimbabwe’s tourism sector into a more sustainable and competitive contributor to national development.
Mnangagwa noted that the strategy also seeks to expand market reach through targeted marketing and branding, while leveraging technology and innovation to modernise the sector.
“Digital transformation, data-driven decision-making, and smart destination management will be central to modernizing our tourism sector,” he said.
The consultation workshop, held at Baradzanwa Cultural Centre, brought together stakeholders from government, the private sector, local authorities, communities, academia, and development partners.
Mnangagwa described the gathering as a “critical milestone” in the formulation of a strategy that will guide Zimbabwe’s tourism development over the next five years, aligning sector priorities with national development goals under Vision 2030.
“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, with sustainability and heritage preservation expected to remain central to its implementation framework.
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