Staff Reporter
The Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Mangaliso Ndlovu has challenged the youths to be involved in reviving the tourism sector as the country works towards the attainment of a US$5 billion Tourism Economy by 2025
Minister Ndlovu made the call, during the Junior Parliament Debate Session to commemorate World Tourism Day celebrations, in Harare, yesterday.
“Indeed young people have a key role to play towards the recovery of the tourism sector and in nation building. I believe, they can be agents for the recovery of the sector, while advocating for sustainable tourism development.
“As I listened to the rich discussions presented by our youth today, I am convinced that their creativity and innovation are assets that we should leverage on in order to transform the tourism sector through responsive and solution-based policies and strategies,” said Minister Ndlovu.
Minister Ndlovu reiterated that the youths are an important stakeholder in the recovery of the sector and that it has become pertinent for the youths to receive mentorship on how to contribute effectively.
“As highlighted by our young Advocates today, youth empowerment in Tourism is key to a resilient and sustainable recovery of the sector. As Government we will endeavor to ensure that our youth have a seat on the table, to participate in mainstream tourism activities. In addition, adequate support mechanisms will be put in place through mentorship, vocational training, skills development and leadership training,” said Minister Ndlovu.
The Minister further expressed gratitude for the successful roll-out of the Tourism Youth Innovation Challenge in all Provinces across the country as part of the key highlights for the 2022 tourism year.
Meanwhile, Minister Ndlovu articulated that his ministry has been working closely with tourism industry players toward the crafting of the National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy (NTRGS) in light of the ever changing tourism environment. He said the strategy is already paying dividend as tourist arrivals, tourism receipts and tourism investments in the sector have been on the rise.
During the first half of 2022, the tourism sector showed strong recovery registering 115 percent rise in tourist arrivals, compared with the same period in 2021. Tourist receipts also increased by 121 percent in 2022 translating to US$337, 50 million as compared to US$152.8 million in 2021.
World Tourism Day is held on 27 September annually since 1980. The theme for this year’s commemoration of the day is “Rethinking Tourism”.
