The paper that Zimbabwe business leaders presented to Mugabe

2.15 Tourism Sector

Zimbabwe Tourism contributes about 11% to Gross Domestic Product, in addition to employment creation and foreign currency generation. As much as US$1 billion, dollars is generated annually. The sector represents a low hanging fruit.

In the tourism policy document, tourism was set to be a $5 billion economy by the year 2020. This is a major challenge to achieve as major milestones have already been missed.

The target is achievable but real commitment is needed to revisit the Tourism sector Roadmap and revive the initiative. As part of this Roadmap, the following are prerequisites:

i. Expanded marketing efforts for Zimbabwe as a Tourist destination with greater emphasis on new source markets like India and China;

ii. Addressing the challenge of Police Road blocks and the excessive Police road presence, and 

iii. Implementing the Tourism Revolving Fund

3. Conclusion

The Private sector as the engine for growth supported by active Government investment in infrastructure and social services – this dual partnership model has capacity to deliver sustainable growth of the economy beyond the medium term.

It is critical to sustain the symbiosis between Government and the private sector for investment. As part of this Government and Private sector partnership, there is need for continuous engagement to come up with the most optimal strategy for Zimbabwe, which is homegrown.

Currently, this consultative process is anchored on the dialogue, taking place through the ZIM Asset clusters and the NECF Steering Committee, Committee Task Forces and the ZIM ASSET Joint Review Committee. It is imperative that this positive dialogue be sustained for the greater good of the economy.

Business would welcome continuous engagement with His Excellency, the Vice Presidents and Ministers on a quarterly basis to review economic progress.  

O7 September 2017

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