Staff Reporter
The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry convened with media representatives in Harare yesterday, in a strategic initiative to strengthen the local tourism sector.
This crucial meeting comes ahead of Zimbabwe hosting the prestigious United Nations Africa Gastronomy Summit and the SADC Summit next month, events poised to showcase the nation's potential to attract visitors and spur economic growth.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi emphasized the indispensable role of the media in shaping public perception and promoting Zimbabwe's tourism attractions.
"As the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, we cannot talk about marketing our country without involving the media. Through the Ministry of Information and the media, we gathered today to discuss various ways of marketing our country together with everyone in the media fraternity,” said Minister Rwodzi.
During the meeting, journalist Rumbidzai Chiriga noted the mutual benefits of collaboration to highlight Zimbabwe’s tourism potential.
"We realized the importance of continuous engagement between the Ministry of Tourism and its state-owned enterprise, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, to market Zimbabwe both locally and internationally,” said Chiriga.
Another journalist from Bulawayo24 commented on the productive nature of the engagement, emphasizing the need for accurate and responsible reporting.
"There were many key takeaways from this meeting. As media, we wanted clarity on tourism issues posed by the public. Being the media, we are the tool that disseminates information, so we must ensure we are telling the correct story of tourism and the opportunities in the sector,” said the Bulawayo 24 journalist.
The same journalist added that the discussions also focused on the importance of professional reporting about Zimbabwe.
"The discussions were very fruitful as we focused on accurate and good reporting about our nation. I appreciated what the Minister said, she does not mind criticism about herself, but when reporting about Zimbabwe we must be professional because this is the Zimbabwe we have,” the journalist remarked.
With the upcoming United Nations Africa Gastronomy Summit and the SADC Summit on the horizon, Zimbabwe has a unique opportunity to shine on the global stage.
The focus on leveraging media channels to promote tourism underscores the strategic importance of these collaborations in shaping a positive narrative and attracting visitors.
