Zim pushes 'whole‑of‑government' approach to ease tourist movement, boost image

HARARE - The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry says it is working across government to remove barriers to tourist movement at borders and along key routes, as part of efforts to reposition Zimbabwe as a seamless and welcoming destination.

Speaking at a media briefing after the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority's annual general meeting in Harare - where he represented Tourism Minister Barbara Rwodzi - the ministry's permanent secretary Takaruza Munyanyiwa said re‑engagement with Zambia had been prioritised after previous arrangements contributed to reduced activity in the night economy, particularly at border areas.

"We had engagement with Zambian authorities, we have had an inter‑ministerial engagement and arrangement with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development to ensure connectivity and ensure tourists have seamless movements," Munyanyiwa said.

"We have also engaged with the Ministry of Home Affairs to make sure there are no unnecessary delays for tourists at various police checkpoints," he added.

He said the coordination covered visas, Border Management Authorities, police, ZIMRA and "meet and greet" protocols at entry points to ensure visitors feel welcome.

"So we are really working to ensure seamless movements of goods and services," he said.

"This soft diplomacy, the hospitality or reception we are giving them, has helped in driving the realities on the ground, not the other previous narratives. This therefore ensures best repute using the whole‑of‑government approach," Munyanyiwa said.

Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Chief Executive Officer George Manyaya said the ZTA was conducting parallel engagements with stakeholders to strengthen compliance and enforcement.

"We are also doing engagements with various stakeholders to ensure compliance, routine enforcements with law enforcement agencies, and penalising where necessary," Manyaya said.

He added that the ZTA was using its global attaché network to aggressively market Zimbabwe as a leading tourism destination, with a focus on safety, service standards and ease of travel, including platforms such as Zimbabwe tourism re‑engagement.

The responses came as preparations intensify for this year's edition of Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbabwe, scheduled for September.

Officials said the coordinated approach was part of efforts to improve tourist confidence and support growth in arrivals following the post‑COVID‑19 rebound. Government has repeatedly linked tourism growth to broader national goals under Vision 2030.