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MICE driving tourism business and investments: Rwodzi

TOURISM and Hospitality Industry minister Barbara Rwodzi says meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (Mice) were driving receipts and investments into tourism. This comes as the government believes the sector is now a US$5 billion-dollar industry under its National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy, which seeks to achieve this economic valuation by next year. However, experts believe the industry is still far from achieving this valuation owing to declining investments, exchange rate volatility, high costs, an unfavourable national image, and pricy tourism packages. Investments into the tourism sector dropped by a huge 45% to US$172,2 million last year, from 2022, despite a 27% increase in tourism receipts to US$1,14 billion. In 2022, investments were US$312,5 million while tourism receipts were US$911 million. “Tourism is a major contributor to the country’s GDP (gross domestic product), and we are happy that we achieved our US$5 billion-dollar target,” Rwodzi said, at the just-ended five-day Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe Leadership Summit, held in Masvingo last week. “This was mostly achieved through receipts and investments, with Mice being the biggest contributor; this shows how much of a big and lucrative sector we are.” She, however, acknowledged the impact of the volatile currency and economy on the industry. “I understand the issues of devaluation, the taxes, the volatile economy. We are lobbying for the Zimbabwe Tourism Fund, which we believe will help the sector, especially operators, in terms of loans,” Rwodzi added. Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe (TBCZ) president Clive Chinwada called for a review of the utilisation of the 2% tourism levy, highlighting the potential for greater impact on the industry. The levy is charged on tourists visiting the country, collected by tourism players, and paid to the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) which it mostly uses to fund its activities. Chinwada expressed concern over the current utilisation of the levy. “We are collecting money on behalf of ZTA, so because we are collecting, we are stakeholders ultimately. Now that we have collected, it should be utilised. The remit of how the 2% should be used ultimately is I think where the issue is, but we are collecting,” Chinwanda said. “So, because we are collecting, we are stakeholders ultimately. And now that we should have collected, it should be utilised.” He drew parallels with South Africa, where the 2% tourism levy is voluntary, yet, despite this, the Tourism Business Council of South Africa collects significantly more funds than TBCZ. This, according to the TBCZ president, is due to the effective utilisation of the levy. The president emphasised the need for a stronger TBCZ to effectively advocate for the tourism industry. “We gave ourselves a goal. And the goal is to adequately—to have an adequately resourced and capacitated TBCZ. We should be able to champion the interests of the tourism business,” Chinwanda added. According to ZTA, tourism receipts rose by 24% in the first half of the year to about US$493 million, from a comparative of US$398 million in 2023.

“Tourism is pivotal in enhancing regional cooperation and nurturing global peace” – Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Minister Barbara Rwodzi

Tourism is pivotal in enhancing regional cooperation and nurturing global peace, with the capacity to generate revenue and employment opportunities leading to a decrease in poverty and inequality, which are the main causes of conflict, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi has said. In a speech commemorating this year’s edition of the World Tourism Day in Gandavaroyi, Gokwe-Gumunyu constituency last week read on her behalf by her deputy Tongai Mnangagwa, Minister Rwodzi said tourism has had an immense contribution to  the global economy and its pivotal role in promoting global peace and stability. This year’s commemoration was under the theme: Tourism and Peace. In line with President Mnangagwa’s vision of leaving no place and no one behind, this year’s celebrations were held at the iconic Gandavaroyi Gorge, a place that has a unique historical heritage. Last year’s celebrations  were in Mashonaland East Province at Suskwe Resorts and the rotation process is done in the spirit of leaving no one and no place behind,” she said. “As this year’s theme indicates, we cannot  afford to ignore the role tourism plays in the promotion of regional and global peace. For years enumerable, Tourism has facilitated people-to-people diplomacy, allowing individuals from different cultures to interact and understand each other’s perspectives. Tourism in nature promotes cultural exchange, helping forge interaction between individuals, communities and societies.” The minister added that tourism promotes cultural understanding, breaking stereotypes and misconceptions through personal experiences. “It has the potential to generate income and creates jobs, the resultant effect being a reduction in poverty and inequality, primary cause of conflicts. Additionally, tourism supports community development projects which lead to promoting peace and stability amongst communities. Community Based Tourism initiatives have been key in the promotion of community integration and stability.” “Tourism encourages regional cooperation thereby promoting regional peace, since its inception, My Ministry has signed various MoU’s with different countries including the SADC region and beyond, focusing mainly on areas of technical cooperation with regards to tourism development thereby, fostering regional cooperation to ensure peaceful trade and relations. “Additionally, Zimbabwe has hosted the first ever UN Gastronomy Tourism Forum which brought together countries from the region and beyond towards one common goal, and towards regional and global peace. World Tourism Day is commemorated on 27 September, the day that was set aside by the UN Tourism to commemorate the critical role tourism play towards the growth of nations. Zimbabwe declared September as the Tourism Month. According to the United Nations, tourism, often highlighted for its role in economic development, also plays a significant role in fostering peace. On a global level, where nations are interconnected and interdependent, tourism, an industry made by people and for people, emerges as a compelling and dynamic force to defy stereotypes and challenge prejudices. “This sector can be perceived as the epitome of intercultural dialogue; it allows meeting the “other”, learning about different cultures, hearing foreign languages, tasting exotic flavours, bonding with other human beings, and building tolerance. In essence, it is a mind-broadening educational and spiritual experience. Minister Rwodzi called upon tourism players, local and international investors, Zimbabweans in the diaspora to come and invest in Gandavaroyi. “There is great potential for tourism activities, such as cat walk, sand bath, cable car, sightseeing, camping among others.  We appeal to the responsible authorities to ensure the place is accessible from different angles.“ It is our dream that Gandavaroyi will become a Tourism hub in the near future.” Source: The Chronicle

Minister Rwodzi Urges Journalists to Promote Tourism

Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi has called upon journalists to work with her ministry in promoting Zimbabwe as a tourism destination of choice. Journalists from various local and international media houses are attending the meeting. Minister Rwodzi said she recognises the critical role the media plays in shaping perceptions, disseminating information, driving positive change and highlighting natural wonders and cultural heritage, which are instrumental in attracting visitors and investors.   “Your role extends beyond reporting,” Minister Rwodzi said. “The perception of the country comes from your reporting, from your writing, from what you say on the TV or radio. You influence perceptions, you also give inspiration and confidence. “For us to be confident, it is through the media. You disseminate information about our destinations in a way that tells everyone across the world that Zimbabwe is a safe destination,” she said.    Read the original article on The Herald.

UN Tourism Meetings

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) organizes various high-level tourism meetings and forums aimed at shaping the future of global tourism. These meetings focus on setting global tourism standards, promoting sustainable tourism, and fostering international cooperation between member states. The events include summits, policy discussions, and expert workshops on critical issues such as climate change, tourism recovery, and innovation. UN Tourism Meetings help Zimbabwe and other countries align their tourism policies with international standards, secure development funding, and promote sustainable tourism practices.

TOPRESA (France)

IFTM (International French Travel Market) TOPRESA is one of France’s leading tourism trade fairs, attracting tourism professionals from around the world. The event showcases travel products and destinations to the French and European markets, facilitating business meetings, networking, and tourism marketing. Exhibitions, conferences, and industry workshops are held, covering various aspects of tourism, such as leisure travel, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), and business travel. TOPRESA helps African destinations like Zimbabwe gain traction in the French-speaking market, attracting European tourists and tourism investors.