Zimbabwe commemorates World Tourism Day
Nevanji Munyaradzi Chiondegwa
Zimbabwe joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Tourism Day which is being held under the theme “Tourism and Green Investment.”
The commemorations held on a rotational basis in all the country’s provinces in line with Government’s leaving no place and no one behind mantra were today held at Suskwe Lodge, Mutoko Centre Mashonaland East.
The World Tourism Day commemorations were headlined by the newly appointed Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi who made a call to tourism players to embrace eco-tourism in their line of business.
In her keynote address, Minister Rwodzi said through tourism development, her Ministry can contribute in the attaining of an Upper-Middle Income Economy by 2030.
Min. Rwodzi paid tribute to tourism players in Mutoko where she lauded Suskwe Lodges for promoting and safeguarding their heritage through tourism.
She said, “The people of Mutoko you are promoting your cultural customs and values, traditional dances like Tsotsa, and traditional cuisines.”
Minister Rwodzi said the month of September was lined with a lot of tourism activities including workshops, symposiums and commemorations. She applauded Suskwe director Mr Nyamakope for harnessing solar energy for development.
She outlined how the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality is going to promote domestic and international tourism through Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA). The Ministry will help tourism operators in marketing and development of the tourism industry in Zimbabwe to realize capital. Min. Rwodzi urged the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority to package the full tourism package for Mashonaland East for the benefit of both domestic and foreign tourists.
“My Ministry will work with the provincial leadership in marketing historical sites like Tsindi, Mutoko ruins and many others,” said Minister Rwodzi.
She encouraged all those interested in investing in tourism to preserve and conserve nature.
According to Minister Rwodzi, her ministry will engage with Universities and polytechnics involved in the training of hospitality students to promote and buttress human capital base in the industry.
Mashonaland East is home to Makurumure Falls, Tsindi Ruins, the Jerusarema dance, a dance which was designated as a masterpiece of intangible heritage by UNESCO, Mutiusinazita (the nameless tree), religious shrines like Bernard Mizeki and Mutemwa. It is also home to the scenic granite rocks in Domboshava as well as water bodies like Chivhu and Muchekeranwa dams that can be exploited for recreational activities.
Minister Rwodzi was accompanied by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Mashonaland East, Hon. Appolonia Munzverengi
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