Staff Reporter
The Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Babra Rwodzi, praised the innovative contributions of the First Lady, Dr Amai Mnangagwa, for her role in promoting gastronomy tourism through the introduction of the traditional cookout competition in the country.
The Minister made the remarks yesterday at the University of Zimbabwe during the Community Provincial Cookout Competitions.
“Through the efforts of the First Lady, Zimbabwe has been given the opportunity to host the first ever UN Tourism Africa Gastronomy Showcase during the period of July 26–28, 2024, in Victoria Falls.
“All African countries are invited to showcase their traditional cuisine during this period. With this, it is evident that Zimbabwe has gone to another level in terms of promoting gastronomy tourism.
“Apart from being served in hotels and restaurants, Zimbabwean traditional foods have diffused into social and economic gatherings as well as regional and international markets,” Minister Rwodzi stated, acknowledging the First Lady’s pivotal role in this significant achievement.
The Minister said that under the patronage of Dr Amai Mnangagwa, the traditional cookout competition has not only celebrated the rich culinary heritage of Zimbabwe but also positioned the country as a leading destination for gastronomy tourism.
This initiative has seen traditional Zimbabwean cuisines served in some of the world’s top international hotels, enhancing the country’s culinary prestige.
Minister Rwodzi further elaborated on her Ministry’s commitment to fostering a more equitable distribution of tourism benefits among communities, highlighting the sector’s potential in poverty alleviation and economic empowerment.
“Ladies and gentlemen, tourism, as you may be aware, has evolved beyond mere holidaying and recreation. It has become an avenue for exploration, connection, and personal growth. In this journey of discovery, gastronomy plays a pivotal role as a gateway for understanding a destination's culture and heritage,” she said.
With nations like Spain, Italy, China, and France leveraging their culinary heritage as a key economic driver, Minister Rwodzi expressed her vision for Zimbabwe to become the gastronomy powerhouse of Africa.
She noted that gastronomy tourism not only stimulates economic growth but also encourages entrepreneurship and job creation, particularly among local communities.
Meanwhile, gastronomy tourism, characterised by visits to food producers, festivals, restaurants, and specific locations for unique culinary experiences, serves as a bridge to understanding and appreciating cultural diversity. This form of tourism is rapidly gaining traction as travellers increasingly seek authentic, immersive dining experiences that offer a taste of the destination’s heritage.
