Parliament has intensified scrutiny of tourism infrastructure within Zimbabwe's protected areas, with legislators engaging the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority over challenges affecting access to national parks and their impact on tourism growth.
The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Tourism and Hospitality Industry met with ZimParks officials in Harare on Thursday as part of its oversight mandate to assess opportunities and constraints within one of Zimbabwe's key economic sectors.
“The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Tourism and Hospitality Industry is today meeting with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority at the Authority's Headquarters,” Parliament said in a statement.
According to Parliament, discussions are focusing on tourism infrastructure development within the national parks estate, particularly transport connectivity and access routes to major tourism destinations.
“The Committee is deliberating on tourism infrastructure development within the Parks Estate, with particular focus on the state of access and connectivity to Zimbabwe's national parks.”
Lawmakers are also examining the condition of roads leading to protected areas and the implications for tourism performance and conservation efforts.
“Discussions are also examining the condition of road networks leading to protected areas and their impact on tourism growth, visitor experience, conservation efforts, and economic development.”
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The engagement comes at a time when Zimbabwe is seeking to expand tourism arrivals and increase visitor spending through improved infrastructure, destination development and enhanced visitor experiences.
While the country boasts internationally recognised attractions including Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Mana Pools National Park and Gonarezhou National Park, stakeholders have frequently identified transport infrastructure as one of the barriers affecting tourism growth and investment in some destinations.
Poor road conditions can increase travel times, raise operating costs for tourism businesses and reduce accessibility to remote attractions, particularly during the rainy season.
Conservationists have also noted that inadequate infrastructure can affect park management operations, anti-poaching activities and emergency response capabilities.
Parliament said the meeting forms part of broader efforts to identify solutions that can strengthen the sector's competitiveness.
“The engagement forms part of the Committee's oversight mandate to assess challenges and opportunities within the tourism sector and to explore measures aimed at enhancing the accessibility, sustainability, and competitiveness of Zimbabwe's tourism destinations.”
The discussions coincide with growing attention on tourism's contribution to economic growth, foreign currency generation and employment creation.
Recent tourism performance data has shown a rebound in international arrivals and tourism receipts, prompting calls for accelerated investment in supporting infrastructure to sustain the sector's recovery and long-term expansion.
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