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Tawanda Musarurwa Senior Business Reporter
Zimbabwe’s new Government should focus on the tourism sector as it is key to a thriving economy, according to global hospitality consultancy HVS Africa.

HVS Africa associate director Rishabh Thapar, says effective policies for the sector will enhance its contribution to the broader economy.

“Tourism policies and infrastructure can create massive opportunities for an economy. Not only through job creation and direct/indirect income from tourism activities but also creating opportunity for interaction and business avenues,” said  Mr Thapar.

“According to World Travel and Tourism Council, while the direct contribution of travel and tourism to Zimbabwe’s gross domestic product (GDP) was 3,5 percent, the total contribution of Travel and Tourism to GDP — including wider effects from investment, the supply chain and induced income impacts — was over 8 percent in 2016 and 2017.”

According to Mr Thapar, most travel itineraries in Southern Africa do not explore Zimbabwe’s tourist attractions beyond the famed Victoria Falls.

“This presents an opportunity. Zimbabwe has abundant natural attractions such as Nyanga National Park, Matopos National Park, Hwange National Park, Lake Kariba, The Great Zimbabwean Ruins and Chinhoyi Caves, which all need to be promoted and established into itineraries and tourism circuits.”

He recommends that a master plan for all these destinations is developed to enhance the tourist’s experience and ultimately increase the length of stay in the country. While the plan should focus on airlines, connectivity, hotels and tourism infrastructure/activities, Thapar concludes that the Government would also need to invest into building a long-term tourism policy for preservation and conservation while providing incentives for private investments.

HVS Africa adds that the new Government needs to put in place measures/policies that build the economy, including tapping into Zimbabwe’s Diaspora community.

“The country, which is under severe external debt, needs to be able to gain access to credit. The Government would need to create favourable policies, stamp out corruption and create/revive its own currency — this requires their undivided focus,” says Mr Thapar.

“More than three million Zimbabweans are estimated to be living outside their country, having left the country for better economic prospects during the last two decades. This accomplished workforce with their experience of living abroad would certainly play a crucial role in the rise of Zimbabwe if they were to return to their country,” says Mr Thapar.

HVS Africa publishes the African Hotel Valuation Index (HVI), which assist investors to make investment decisions and to promote hotel investments throughout Africa.