Bulawayo launches city-wide tourism data collection drive

 The City of Bulawayo has launched a comprehensive city-wide data collection initiative aimed at transforming the local tourism and hospitality sector into a competitive and sustainable economic pillar. Running from June 2 to July 25, the exercise is expected to lay the foundation for the city's Tourism and Hospitality Development Plan.

The strategic project is targeting a wide range of sector players including hotels, lodges, guest houses, bed and breakfasts (B&Bs), and event venues. The initiative aims to collect detailed operational data that will inform future infrastructure investments, policy decisions, and marketing strategies.

In an official notice, Bulawayo Town Clerk Mr Christopher Dube said the exercise would provide a crucial snapshot of the current state of the sector.

"The City of Bulawayo is undertaking comprehensive research to develop a Tourism and Hospitality Development Plan aimed at enhancing the sector's growth and sustainability," said Mr Dube.

Key data points being collected include service offerings and amenities, visitor demographics, business licensing and affiliations, employee numbers, room types and pricing, conference facilities, and ownership details.

Mr Dube noted that the data will allow the city to identify service gaps, assess regulatory compliance, and enhance Bulawayo's digital tourism profile, aligning the city with both national strategies and global best practices.

The local authority is urging all tourism operators to fully participate in the exercise, stressing that the findings will influence decisions on infrastructure development, policy formulation, and investment promotion.

With its rich cultural heritage, colonial-era architecture, and iconic sites such as the Bulawayo Railway Museum, National Art Gallery, and proximity to Matobo Hills, Bulawayo remains a hidden gem on Zimbabwe's tourism map.

Speaking on the initiative, business strategist Mr Honest Ngwenya welcomed the move as a positive step toward a more structured and competitive tourism ecosystem.

"This kind of targeted data collection is critical. It signals that Bulawayo is serious about creating a business-friendly tourism environment," he said.
"If used effectively, the data can help attract investors, improve service standards, and guide meaningful infrastructure development."

Ngwenya also stressed the need for practical implementation of the final Tourism and Hospitality Development Plan, calling for inclusivity and ongoing evaluation based on measurable results.

The tourism data collection effort represents part of Bulawayo's broader vision to position itself as a regional business and cultural hub, with tourism playing a key role in job creation, local enterprise development, and sustainable economic growth.