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Renco Mine Community celebrates World Tourism Day!

by By Hilton Munendoro
30 Sep 2011 at 06:08hrs | Views
The glitter and wonder of tourism gripped the citizens of Renco when captains of the tourism sector invaded the area on September 24th, 2011 commemorating the World Tourism Day. The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) set aside September 27, each year to commemorate World Tourism Day throughout the world.

In a speech read on his behalf by his personal assistant, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry honourable Engineer Walter Mzembi addressing the community at an outreach programme said,   "We have been sensitising people about their role in spearheading domestic tourism, our cradle for tourism growth. We therefore encourage community entrepreneurship for the development of rural communities in projects like cultural villages, campfire and other community based tourism activities, so that we can spread the benefits of tourism across the breadth and width of the country.

"I am particularly delighted that this year's theme is 'tourism linking cultures.' Inseparable and complementary, culture and tourism are inevitably like the two sides of one coin. To the whole world, through tourism, we can present our infinite national heritage. Tourism vibrancy can enable Zimbabwe to survive from the protracted economic crisis caused by illegal sanctions imposed unjustly upon us."

Tourism is a tremendous national asset, which must not be undervalued and Zimbabwe has rich cultural heritage and history. Minister Mzembi emphasised the fundamentals of tourism when he said, "The truth is that in competitive global markets one cannot afford to be caught flat-footed, nor can we take success for granted, which is why I want to urge everyone to be different in the approach we take tourism. It would be remiss of me not to take advantage of this platform to comment on the involvement of everyone here present in the first wonder of our, 'world of wonders'. Our wonderful people and rich history is a unique and special appeal in the region and our hospitality and literacy rate must continue to be unmatched. Cultural tourism remains the unique foundation of tourism and guarantees complete development of our country."

Culture helps us to understand the world around us. As the global spotlight falls on this country ahead of 2013 United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly, we should be imperatively ready to show the world exactly what we have to offer by staging and spearheading launch pads for several dynamic, and innovative cultural festivals that will remain engraved in people's hearts.

As a people we must never forget that our responsibility for culture is one that is not simply for this generation, but for many generations to come. The greatest threat to a society is indifference and playing down problems, but we need to respond spontaneously and clearly with solidarity and compassion to uphold the safeguarding of our cultural values. It is in the best interest for everybody to see that culture is a significant component that can bring brisk business proven by the fact that international and local audiences get fascinated by our very own innovative interpretations. Therefore, it is a cardinal responsibility of every Zimbabwean to safeguard our society against cultural imperialism as a critical means to maintain our local cultural brand.

In Zimbabwe, we have a lot more scope for exploiting our unique cultural heritage in further developing our attractiveness to visitors. The world tourism day celebrations help us by providing a useful opportunity to take stock of what we have and where we stand. Culture and tourism are able to accommodate all kinds of professional competences, and is also a sector with a low entry barrier. So whether skilled or unskilled, one is able to find employment directly or indirectly in tourism.

Non-professional persons can engage in art and craft, theatre and drama, all meant to serve the interests of diversified tourists at different sites across the nation.

Tourism is pro-poor and such is the power of culture and tourism. Culture is never finished, but only abandoned. Our culture always has the potential to be kept alive by everyone who practices and interacts with it. We need to continue our efforts towards the safeguarding and promotion of culture in order to keep it alive for generations to come.

Zimbabwe is currently experiencing massive revival of the tourism and hospitality sector after a decade long recession.


Source - Global Networks Media