By MKHOKHELI ZIBENGWA
YESTERDAY Zimbabwe joined the global Community in commemorating World Tourism Day.
World Tourism Day has been held on 27 September each year since 1980.lt's purpose is to raise awareness about the socio-economic benefits derived from the travel and tourism sector, along with its entire value chain.
It was at its third session (Torremolinos, Spain, September 1979), that the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly decided to institute World Tourism Day, commencing in the year 1980.
This date was chosen to coincide with an important milestone in world tourism: the anniversary of the adoption of the UNWTO Statutes on 27 September 1970.
Zimbabwe's 2023 celebrations were held at Suskwe Lodges in Mutoko, Mashonaland East.
During the celebrations, Barbara Rwodzi, the newly appointed Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, emphasized 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.
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," said Minister Rwodzi
The Minister went on to acknowledge the positive impact of the country's peaceful political campaigns and environment, both before and after the harmonized elections.
"This peaceful atmosphere has contributed to positioning Zimbabwe as a safe and desirable destination for tourists," she said
This year's World Tourism Day theme is "Tourism and Green Investments," highlighting the importance of investing in people, the planet, and prosperity.
