ZTA unveils plan to empower women, youth in tourism

HARARE - The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority has launched a six‑point roadmap aimed at formalising women and youth participation in tourism, with a new National Executive set to be unveiled at the upcoming Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe World Tourism Expo in Masvingo.

Speaking during the Women and Youth in Tourism National Chapter elections in Harare, ZTA CEO Dr George Manyaya, represented by acting Director for Strategy, Research, Statistics and Economic Affairs Tsitsi Munetsi, said the new structures will create pathways for women and young people to become entrepreneurs, owners and decision‑makers in the US$1.4 billion sector.

"The structures that we have put in place allow women and youths to organise themselves as part of the tourism ecosystem and fully participate in the tourism mainstream," Munetsi said. She added that destinations demonstrating genuine inclusion of women and youth enjoy a competitive advantage globally, and Zimbabwe has made notable progress.

Munetsi said the impact was already visible. "The first quarter of the year registered an 11 percent increase in international tourist arrivals, rising from 347,555 in 2025 to 384,561 in 2026. Domestic tourism trips also grew by 35 percent, from 1.94 million to 2.62 million, while tourism investments recorded an impressive 438 percent increase."

The roadmap includes developing constitutions for the Women in Tourism Network and Youth in Tourism Network, nationwide membership recruitment, annual workplans and a centralised database to track skills and opportunities. The Ministry of Tourism and ZTA will provide technical support and conduct regular progress reviews.

Tourism Secretary Dr T. Munyanyiwa, represented by Chief Director Tarirai Musonza, said the initiative aligns with NDS2 and Vision 2030. She credited First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa for driving empowerment through Gastronomy Tourism, the Women and Youth Business Forum and Agric‑for‑She. "Through her tireless efforts, we have witnessed the tourism sector growing on an upward trajectory and Zimbabwe being recognised as the best destination to visit by publications including Forbes and Condé Nast. More recently, Zimbabwe received the Gold Award at the 2026 Chinese Tourists Awards," Musonza said.

She noted that although women make up a substantial share of the tourism workforce, they remain under‑represented in ownership and leadership. Youths, despite being innovative and digitally fluent, are hesitant to take up opportunities. "So, today we are saying we have created a way for you, let us work together to change the narrative," she said.

Newly elected national chairperson for the Chamber of Women in Tourism Aretha Takaza said the platform should help women and young people in Victoria Falls, Kariba, Hwange and other towns access skills, finance and markets. Shelter Chitsungo, newly elected chairperson of the Women in Tourism Network, applauded ZTA and Government for policies promoting inclusion of women and youth in mainstream economic activities.

Officials said the success of the new structures will be measured by real economic opportunities created for women and youth, reinforcing broader discussions around inclusive tourism development and women and youth empowerment.