KARIBA, Jul 20 (NewsDay Live) -The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry has launched its 2026-2030 national strategy, a five-year blueprint to transform Zimbabwe into a globally competitive, inclusive and sustainable destination.
The strategy was unveiled at a stakeholder consultation workshop held in Kariba, where Mashonaland West acting provincial tourism head Ellison Chigerwe said the gathering marked a “critical milestone” in shaping the sector’s future.
“The National Tourism Sector Strategic Plan 2026-2030 provides a comprehensive framework for sustainable growth, competitiveness, inclusivity, and resilience,” Chigerwe told delegates.
“Tourism is multi-sectoral. Its success depends on coordinated action across government, the private sector, local authorities, communities and academia.”
Built on eight key strategic pillars, the plan seeks to make Zimbabwe more connected, resilient and sustainable. Key objectives include creating a unified vision for tourism development, diversifying products, improving service quality, and strengthening Zimbabwe’s global market position.
Chigerwe said the strategy will promote responsible tourism that balances economic growth with environmental and cultural preservation. “Tourism must deliver inclusive benefits, create jobs, support small businesses, and safeguard our attractions for future generations.”
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Other priorities include boosting infrastructure investment, expanding market reach through targeted branding, and building resilience against pandemics, climate change and economic shocks. Technology and innovation will underpin modernisation of the sector.
Chief director for tourism and hospitality industry Tarirai Musonza described tourism as a powerful catalyst for rural industrialisation, job creation and export earnings.
“Tourism creates opportunities where our natural and cultural heritage already exists, primarily in rural areas like Kariba,” Musonza said.
The launch comes as Zimbabwe’s tourism sector rebounds from the after-effects of COVID-19.
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority recorded 1.45 million arrivals in 2024, up from 1.04 million in 2023, earning US$1.16 billion. Tourism contributes about 4.1% to GDP and supports roughly 200,000 jobs.
Government is targeting US$5 billion in annual tourism receipts by 2030. Key assets include UNESCO sites such as Victoria Falls, Mana Pools, Great Zimbabwe and Matobo Hills, with Lake Kariba itself a major draw for fishing, boating and wildlife tourism.
Ongoing upgrades at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and Victoria Falls Airport, plus the Victoria Falls Special Economic Zone, aim to improve access. The strategy aligns with SADC and AU Agenda 2063 priorities.
Climate change remains a risk, with fluctuating water levels at Lake Kariba and Victoria Falls in recent years affecting both power generation and tourism activities.
The Kariba workshop drew senior government officials,tourism players, civil society and private sector players. Both officials said stakeholder input was vital to ensure the plan is technically sound and market responsive.