In a bid to enhance transparency and efficiency in the tourism sector, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Barbra Rwodzi, has called for the separation of the Zimbabwe Tourism Fund from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA).
Speaking during a media engagement in Harare, Minister Rwodzi spoke about the need for an independent entity to manage tourism revenues. “The Zimbabwe Tourism Fund should be separated from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA). According to the Tourism Act, 2% of earnings from tourists should be directed to the fund. The revenue comes from such entities as the food outlets and even from venues where artistes will be performing. Other tourism operators were arguing that they couldn’t be forced to remit that money to the ZTA but rather do so to an independent Zimbabwe Tourism Fund,” Minister Rwodzi said.
The Minister explained that an independent Zimbabwe Tourism Fund would simplify the ministry’s ability to account for tourism revenue, which is critical for promoting and developing the tourism sector. She highlighted several potential uses for the fund, emphasizing its role in infrastructure development and promotional activities.
“If that entity is standalone, it becomes easy for the ministry to account for the revenue earned. This is the money that should be used for tourism promotion and development. We should be able to put up posters directing tourists to lodges or safaris along major highways like the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road, for example. The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair wants to expand and with the Tourism Fund, we can propose to build halls. The infrastructure like the roads should also be improved from that fund,” she said.
Rwodzi’s remarks come at a time when the tourism sector is seeking innovative ways to rebound and grow amidst global challenges.
The proposed separation of the fund from the ZTA is seen as a strategic move to ensure that tourism revenues are effectively utilized for the benefit of the entire sector.
