Zim focuses on cultural tourism

ZIMBABWE is focusing on enhancing its cultural tourism, as it has been a sleeping giant over the years, Tourism and Hospitality Minister, Barbara Rwodzi, has said.

Speaking yesterday at the World Travel Market (WTM) 2023 in London, she said: “We are now focusing more on developing the new babies; we have other destinations coming up talking of Binga, Kanyemba and going back to our culture.

“Cultural tourism is our focus. We have our rural tourism that we want to grow, focusing on sustainability of our environment, culture and gastronomy. That is where we want to go for the next five years.”

WTM started on Monday, and ends tomorrow. Minister Rwodzi said tourists should visit Zimbabwe and experience its unique and diverse appeal, including the majestic wildlife, landscapes, cuisine as well as the people. Zimbabwe is ranked for its wildlife, she said, and a number of arrivals in the country come for wildlife and landscapes. “Besides the Victoria Falls, wildlife is great and we want people to come and see the nature and others that we have. Our expectation is to increase our arrivals in 2023 to the end of 2024.

“Come and experience our, food, drink and cooking. It’s also a great destination for its people, Zimbabweans are a destination on their own, the environment and weather are great.”

Minister Rwodzi is leading the Zimbabwe delegation that comprises the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and a number of tour operators, from Rainbow Tourism Group, African Sun, Cresta Hotels, Coghlan Villa Guest House, Daisy Guest House, Mhukahuru Tours and Resorts, Click and Drive Tours, Victoria Falls Hotel, The Bayete Collection, Rhino Safari Camp and Blueberry Travel.