Zimbabwe Prepares Tourism Amendment Bill to Unlock Domestic and Rural Travel Potential
Zimbabwe's tourism sector is on the cusp of a significant transformation as the government prepares to introduce a Tourism Amendment Bill designed to boost domestic and rural tourism across the country. Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi has outlined ambitious plans to make the nation's attractions more accessible and affordable for local travelers, while simultaneously developing rural tourism infrastructure to ensure economic benefits reach communities beyond traditional tourist hubs.
Speaking in the National Assembly in response to questions from Honourable Mutokonyi, Minister Rwodzi acknowledged that while Zimbabwe has achieved notable success in attracting international visitors, the country has struggled to engage its own citizens as tourists. High prices and limited awareness have been identified as key barriers preventing locals from exploring the country's renowned attractions, from Victoria Falls to the Great Zimbabwe ruins and beyond.
The minister emphasized that the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has been actively promoting domestic tourism through targeted marketing campaigns, but she stressed that affordability remains a critical challenge. The proposed Tourism Amendment Bill aims to address this through a framework of grading and standardization of tourism facilities, which is expected to result in more competitive pricing structures that locals can afford. Minister Rwodzi called on members of parliament to support the bill, highlighting its potential to democratize access to Zimbabwe's tourism offerings and encourage greater participation by local travelers.
For African travel professionals, this legislative initiative represents a significant shift in Zimbabwe's tourism strategy. The emphasis on domestic tourism aligns with broader continental trends, as African countries increasingly recognize the importance of cultivating local travel markets to build resilience and reduce dependence on international arrivals. The bill's focus on affordability and accessibility could serve as a model for other nations seeking to unlock the economic potential of their own populations as tourists.
Beyond domestic tourism, Minister Rwodzi outlined a comprehensive strategy to develop rural tourism as a key pillar of Zimbabwe's economic growth. The government is leveraging the Zimbabwe Tourism Fund and support from the national treasury to invest in product development in rural areas, where numerous attractions, museums, and monuments remain underutilized. The minister cited the example of the Africa map in Zaka, a unique geological formation that has the potential to become a major attraction if supported by appropriate infrastructure such as accommodation and dining facilities.
The government's approach to rural tourism is rooted in community participation and ownership. Starting in the first quarter of next year, the ministry plans to work with rural communities to develop accommodation facilities that will be owned and operated by locals. This model is designed to ensure that tourism revenues flow directly to communities, supporting livelihoods and contributing to the government's vision of achieving upper middle-income status by 2030. The strategy also includes collaboration with District Development Committees (DDCs) to establish restaurants and other amenities in rural areas, particularly around dams and other natural attractions that offer opportunities for continuous business activity.
Minister Rwodzi highlighted the growing interest from the Zimbabwean diaspora in investing in rural tourism. Diaspora communities, many of whom maintain strong ties to rural areas where their families reside, are seen as key partners in developing tourism infrastructure and creating employment opportunities. The government is actively engaging with diaspora groups to encourage investment in rural tourism ventures, recognizing their unique position as both investors and ambassadors for Zimbabwe's tourism potential.
For African travel agents and tour operators, Zimbabwe's focus on rural tourism presents new opportunities to diversify product offerings and tap into emerging markets. The development of community-owned accommodation and dining facilities in rural areas will create new itineraries and experiences that appeal to both domestic and international travelers seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path encounters. The emphasis on forward integration and continuous business models also suggests a more sustainable approach to tourism
