Mutoko hosts World Tourism Day

AP to celebrate World Tourism Day on September 27

Zimbabwe on Wednesday joined the world in celebrating World Tourism Day with a focus on promoting small to medium tourism businesses and community-based enterprises.

The main celebrations took place at Suskwe Lodges in Mutoko, Mashonaland East.

This year's World Tourism Day theme is "Tourism and Green Investments," highlighting the importance of investing in people, the planet, and prosperity.

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation selected September 27 as World Tourism Day to raise awareness about the socio-economic benefits derived from the travel and tourism sector, along with its entire value chain.

Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi, emphasised the importance of inclusivity, stating that the celebrations will be hosted in different locations to ensure that no one and no place is left behind.

The Ministry aims to promote various aspects of tourism such as small to medium enterprises, religious tourism, community-based tourism enterprises, sports tourism, and environmentally sustainable practices.

Rwodzi highlighted the significant improvement in the global travel and tourism sector following the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Zimbabwe, there has been noticeable growth in tourist arrivals, receipts, and investments. The country recorded a 62% increase in international tourist arrivals during the first half of 2023, with numbers rising from 366,062 in 2022 to 591,524 in 2023.

The increase can be attributed to factors such as the growth of travel and trade in the region, the global tourism recovery, improved transport infrastructure, and the introduction of new airlines into Zimbabwe.

The Minister also acknowledged the positive impact of the country's peaceful political campaigns and environment, both before and after the harmonised elections. This peaceful atmosphere has contributed to positioning Zimbabwe as a safe and desirable destination for tourists.