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VP Phelekezela Mphoko

Oliver Kazunga Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE is investing in infrastructural development driven by the recoginition of the potential the tourism sector has in contributing to the national socio-economic objectives. Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko said this yesterday evening while officially opening the 9th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Africa Expo which ends in Bulawayo today.

In a speech read on his behalf by the Minister of State in his Office, Cde Tabetha Kanengoni-Malinga, VP Mphoko said tourism remains a serious justification for investments in infrastructure development projects such as the Victoria Falls International Airport.

“Government is investing substantial amounts of money in infrastructural development as exemplified by the Victoria Falls and Joshua Nkomo International airports, which need traffic from both local and international airlines. “I would like to challenge the sector to ensure full utilisation of these facilities by generating the necessary passenger traffic,” he said.

He said developing countries particularly benefit from the tourism industry’s positive impacts economically, environmentally and socially through employment creation, preservation and celebration of indigenous culture.

The Vice President said developing countries also benefit from tourism through poverty eradication and promotion of environmental conversation.

He said the government recognises the potential the tourism sector has to socio-economic objectives as enunciated in Zim-Asset.

“I am delighted,” he said, “to say that Sanganai/Hlanganani is part of these strategies that have worked so well over the years. Zimbabwe has all it takes to be a sought after tourist destination, but that will not happen without massive investment in marketing and promoting the destination.

“We’re a peaceful destination endowed with pristine wildlife and nature alongside other spectacular tourism attractions such as the majestic Victoria Falls, Great Zimbabwe, Matobo, Kariba and the mighty Zambezi to mention but a few.” VP Mphoko noted that the country’s tourism industry is facing a number of challenges restricting its growth.

He said such challenges include lack of policy coordination among key enabler government departments, road networks needing urgent rehabilitation and upgrade, inadequate skills and experience in tourism facilities, and weak domestic tourism market.

This year’s Sanganai/ Hlanganani attracted 236 exhibitors which is an increase from last year in Harare where 128 companies participated. Out of the 236 exhibitors 35 are foreign from 11 countries in different parts of the world such as Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Africa and Europe.

Last year’s expo attracted 19 foreign exhibitors while this year’s show attracted 128 international buyers compared to 110 in 2015. In her welcome remarks, Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Cde Nomthandazo Eunice Moyo said the province is happy that the Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo has come back to Bulawayo after years of absence.