Rutendo Nyeve Victoria Falls Bureau PRESIDENT Mnangagwa will today launch the National Tourism Policy in Harare, a strategic blueprint designed to transform Zimbabwe into a world-class destination and drive the sector towards a US$5 billion economy by 2025. The policy, a comprehensive framework for sustainable tourism development, outlines key strategies to enhance visitor experiences, promote investment and leverage Zimbabwe’s rich natural and cultural heritage. It is expected to provide clear guidelines on infrastructure development, marketing, environmental conservation and community involvement in tourism activities. In an exclusive interview with Zimpapers, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi, confirmed the launch, stating that the policy marks a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s economic growth agenda. “His Excellency, President Mnangagwa, will officially launch the Tourism Policy tomorrow (today), reaffirming the Government’s commitment to making tourism a pillar of our economy,” said Minister Rwodzi. The policy is set to be a game-changer for the tourism sector as it will provide a clear roadmap for sustainable growth, job creation and increased foreign currency earnings. The National Tourism Policy is a strategic document that sets out the Government’s vision for the sector over the next decade. It focuses on several key areas, including improving tourism infrastructure, enhancing marketing strategies to attract more international visitors and fostering public-private partnerships to boost investment. One of the policy’s major expectations is to promote sustainable tourism practices that protect cultural heritage, while ensuring that local communities benefit from tourism activities. It is also expected to streamline regulatory processes to make it easier for investors to develop hotels, resorts, and other tourism facilities. Additionally, the policy is expected to emphasise digital transformation in tourism to position Zimbabwe as a top global destination. Zimbabwe’s tourism sector has shown remarkable resilience and growth over the past two years, recovering strongly from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2024, the country recorded a significant increase in international arrivals, with major source markets including China, the United States, and regional African nations. The Victoria Falls, Great Zimbabwe monuments, Hwange National Park and Eastern Highlands resorts remained top attractions, drawing both leisure and business tourists. The Government’s aggressive “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” campaign, coupled with improved air connectivity through airlines such as Fastjet, Emirates and Ethiopian Airlines, contributed to the sector’s rebound. In 2025, the momentum continued, with hotel occupancies rising and new investments flowing into safari lodges, conference facilities, and eco-tourism projects. The introduction of the Kaza UniVisa, allowing seamless travel between Zimbabwe and Zambia, further boosted cross-border tourism. The Second Republic has prioritised tourism as a key economic driver, implementing several initiatives to achieve the US$5 billion tourism economy target. Infrastructure development has been a major focus, with upgrades to airports such as Robert Gabriel Mugabe International and Victoria Falls International, which now handle larger international flights. The Government has also invested in road networks leading to major tourist sites, including the Beitbridge-Harare-Chirundu Highway, improving accessibility for both domestic and international visitors. To attract investment, the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) has facilitated several high-profile tourism projects. These include several hotels in Victoria Falls, the refurbishment of the Rainbow Towers in Harare, and new eco-lodges in Gonarezhou National Park. Furthermore, the Government has engaged in aggressive international marketing, participating in major travel expos such as the World Travel Market in London and the ITB Berlin, to showcase Zimbabwe’s diverse offerings. As President Mnangagwa prepares to launch the National Tourism Policy, industry experts are optimistic about the sector’s potential to drive economic growth. With a clear policy direction, increased investment and sustained marketing efforts, Zimbabwe is set to reclaim its status as one of Africa’s premier tourist destinations. The launch today will not only set the tone for the future of tourism, but also demonstrate the Government’s unwavering commitment to harnessing the sector’s full potential for the benefit of all Zimbabweans.