Zim launches World Tourism Month as international arrivals increase by 27%
Business Reporter
ZIMBABWE has declared the month of September as the International Tourism Month on the back of soaring international arrivals standing at 27% when compared to the Same Period Last Year.
In a statement the Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Barbara Rwodzi called on the country’s citizens to join the global community in observing the period’s significance.
“The Nation is invited to join the World Tourism Month Celebrations during the month of September 2024. Zimbabwe joins the rest of the World in celebrating the World Tourism Day, a day celebrated annually on the 27th of September, since 1980.
“This day was set aside by the United Nations Tourism (UN Tourism), to foster awareness amongst the international community on the importance of tourism economically, socially, culturally and environmentally,” she said.
Rwodzi said this year’s celebrations are coming against the background of renewed global tourism recovery with Zimbabwe also experiencing significant growth over the 2023/2024 period.
“The first half of the year saw the country’s tourism sector demonstrating significant growth, with international arrivals increasing by 27% to 751,483, up from 592,567 in the same period in 2023. Correspondingly, tourism receipts saw a 24% rise, reaching US$493 million compared to US$398 million in the first half of 2023,” she said.
She said the sector continues to be a vital contributor to Zimbabwe’s economy, accounting for approximately 5,7% of GDP and 3,5% of national employment, underscoring its pivotal role in driving economic development and job creation.
The Tourism Minister said the ongoing investment into the tourism sector coupled with improvement in the enabling infrastructure including airports and road network improvement is bound to spur Zimbabwe in achieving the US$5 billion tourism economy by 2025.
“Zimbabwe dubbed the Month of September as the Tourism Month to raise awareness on the importance of Tourism by organising a number of activities that build-up to the main World Tourism Day celebrations on 27 September. The theme for this year’s World Tourism Day is “Tourism and Peace,” Rwodzi said.
Among the events for the month is the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo which will be held in Bulawayo during the period 11 to 13 September. This event is bringing in both local and international communities to come and showcase their products.
Side events will also be taking place during the period such as, MICE Master class, Tourism investment forum, Tourism scholastic, gastronomy hub, among others.
This will be followed by a Tourism Symposium to be held at Lupane State University on 19 September where papers will be presented on how Tourism contributes to national and global Peace. After the Symposium there will be a Sport tournament on the 21 September in Gokwe Kabuyani Constituency aimed at promoting Sports Tourism.
The Tourism Month will be concluded by the World Tourism Day Main Celebrations on the 27th of September 2024 at Gandavaroyi Gorge, in Gokwe Gumunyu Constituency, a hidden gem in Midlands Province.
“The Main Celebrations are hosted by Provinces on rotational basis and this year Midlands Province is the host of 2024 World Tourism Day. By targeting different Provinces each year, the Ministry’s aim is to fulfil the National Vision of leaving no place and no one behind and ensure equitable distribution of tourism resources and benefits,” added Rwodzi.
