CHEGUTU is positioning itself as an emerging domestic tourism destination, with Hintonville Arts Centre investing nearly US$30 000 in infrastructure development aimed at attracting local and international visitors.
The investment will fund renovations, new construction projects, marketing initiatives and the establishment of cultural attractions designed to showcase Zimbabwe's heritage and traditions.
Hintonville Arts Centre chairperson, Mawira Makaka, said the centre is constructing a functional cultural village that will serve as a learning and tourism facility.
"We have several projects underway. As we speak, we are constructing a functional model cultural village within the arts centre. We believe this will provide a valuable learning space on the Zimbabwean traditional way of life," said Makaka.
"The village will be open to both local and international visitors."
Makaka said the initiative aligns with Zimbabwe's heritage-based education model, which encourages learners to draw knowledge from indigenous sources and cultural experiences.
As part of the project, the arts centre plans to establish a permanent exhibition showcasing traditional musical instruments, complete with historical information and demonstrations on how they are played.
"We are considering establishing a permanent exhibition for traditional musical instruments within the new village. Visitors will be able to learn about their history and significance, as well as how they are played," he said.
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The cultural village will also feature life-size artefacts and traditional crafts, creating an immersive experience that celebrates Zimbabwean identity and values.
"In a nutshell, the concept is centred on putting up installations of life-size artefacts and crafts for easy reference. At the same time, we are saying this is who we are as Zimbabweans. We need to trace our roots, preserve our values and promote Ubuntu so that the world can appreciate our true story," said Makaka.
The centre also plans to enhance its surroundings with botanical gardens, indigenous herbs and decorative wildlife installations depicting animals such as elephants, warthogs and kudu.
"We are curating essential herbs and shrubs that will be accessible for learning purposes, while also creating an environment that reflects the beauty of Zimbabwe's natural heritage," he said.
Makaka expressed confidence that the development would boost domestic tourism by attracting visitors travelling between major cities.
"We are hoping to attract local tourists from Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Victoria Falls and other surrounding towns. Owing to our strategic location, we are providing travellers with a sound reason to stop over for a drink, snack, meal or simply to enjoy live performances at the arts centre," he said.
Beyond tourism, the project is expected to create employment opportunities for artists, craftspeople and local residents.
"We are hoping to create a number of direct and indirect employment opportunities for local people in Chegutu and for visiting artists. This project has the potential to transform not only the arts sector but also the local economy," said Makaka.
The initiative is expected to contribute to Chegutu's growing profile as a cultural and tourism destination while preserving and promoting Zimbabwe's rich heritage for future generations.
