Tourism remains one of Zimbabwe’s four key sectors, a low hanging fruit, to turnaround the economy. In 2017 the industry contributed 11% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product.
Recently, The Reserve Bank Governor Dr. John Mangudya challenged the tourism industry to grow its foreign currency contribution from the current 5% to 10% by the end of the year.
Zimbabwe used to be a haven for tourist cascading from Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia and so on as they flocked to see and experience the country’s natural wonders. Of late the contribution of foreign tourists to Zimbabwe’s annual export receipts slipped by half to 15 percent, from about 30 percent during the 1990s, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) said this week.
ZTA chief executive officer, Karikoga Kaseke released the figures as the $1 billion industry is participating at the International Tourism Bourse (ITB) Berlin.
“Zimbabwe used to receive a contribution of more than 30 percent from the overseas market in the 1990s when tourism was at its peak,” Kaseke said in a statement released on Tuesday.
Addressing at the ITB, Honorable Prisca Mpufumira concurred, “I must admit that Zimbabwe has lagged behind in many areas as a result of the global isolation for the past 16 – 18 years due to the errors of the past and this undeniably has left Zimbabwe’s once-rich sectors in complete state of disrepair and disarray.”
However after thirty-seven years (under Mugabe rule), “there has never been an opportune time for Zimbabwe than this, given the preceding developments that continue to shape the fortunes of our country, Zimbabwe – A World of Wonders,” says Hon Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Prisca Mupfumira at the ITB Berlin 2018.
Following on the road-map that Zimbabwe has been taking especially during the 100-day target. The Government committed to reversing the legislation constraining incoming business and easing the way of doing business. Minister Mupfumira reiterated a message the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency E. D. Mnangagwa has been undertaking and reiterating ever since he came into office on 24th November 2017. A message that “…Zimbabwe is open for Business and that the Government of Zimbabwe is committed to honoring its obligations in relation to business be it in the travel, trade and any related sector.”
“The Government is also seized with addressing all the hindrances that inhibits travel within Zimbabwe to ensuring that your travels from the point of entry and exit is a pleasure. This includes the ease of facilitation at the border posts and the liberalization of the visa regime. To date, the Government has reviewed the visa regime with 29 countries upgraded from Category C to Category B which facilitates the attaining of visas at the port of entry,” she added.
ITB Berlin reflects worldwide dynamic developments and growth in the travel industry. This year’s the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show, happening from 7 March -11 March ,will again be the industry’s meeting place and must-see event, devoting itself to innovative and forward-looking trends in the travel industry, politics and business.
Mupfumira concluded pleaded with guests “…to consider Zimbabwe as your next destination for investment and tourism business. We need you more than ever and we hope that you will be part of the transition as we strive to reposition Zimbabwe to the glory of yesteryears. Together, we can make Zimbabwe the favorable destination to visit, the destination of choice and above all the favorable economic playfield for all.”
YeduLani (YOUR ZIMBABWE) magazine 