Rwodzi deploys tourism reception lieutenants to improve Zim hospitality

In her quest to continuously brand Zimbabwe as the premier tourism destination, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Barbara Rwodzi has deployed her deputy (Tongai Mnangagwa) and other executive officials in various ports of entry for the tourism festive season's welcoming 'meet and greet' exercise.

Speaking upon joining (tourism teams) and welcoming various international tourists upon their arrival at the Kazungula Border Post (Victoria Falls Border Border Post) and Victoria Falls International Airport, Rwodzi applauded her team's dedication while urging them to maintain exceptional standards in facilitating seamless visitor experiences.

"From the engagements and interactions which I had with some international tourists, they have expressed their quest to continuously complement branding Zimbabwe as the premier tourism destination. Let me applaud all teams deployed at our various ports of entry because of your dedication and I urge you to maintain exceptional standards in facilitating seamless visitor experiences," Rwodzi said.

"This initiative highlights our commitment to creating memorable first impressions and strengthening Zimbabwe's reputation as a premier destination for travellers worldwide," Rwodzi added.

Rwodzi deployed another team led by Tourism Deputy Minister, Tongai Mnangagwa at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo, while the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport team is led by Director for International Tourism Mr. Douglas Mavhembu, Director for National Convention Bureau Mrs. Tessa Chikaponya, and Director for Destination Management Mrs. Mary-Anne Situma who welcomed French travellers who embraced Zimbabwean culture by purchasing various national fabric attires.

At Beitbridge Border Post, the team, led by Secretary for Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Dr. Takaruza Munyanyiwa has also been busy welcoming travellers to share must-see destinations, hidden gems, and the best ways to explore the country's natural and heritage endowments.

In a closely related exercise, a team from Medical and Dental Private Practitioners Association of Zimbabwe led by Mr Johannes Marisa (President) has been on a medical tourism promotion overdrive recently in India and Botswana for the Health Tour Week and related conferences respectively.

"The cost of treatment in India is lower than any other countries in the world and the country (India) has the latest treatment technologies and world class treatment facilities because of available digital marketing. We were therefore complementing the Ministry's quest to promote medical tourism through partnerships and bringing investments to Zimbabwe," Brenda Mutsvangwa one of the associates said.

"Through the tireless efforts of Tourism Ministry and its stakeholders, we realise that it is important to engage with those institutions with the best health facilities so that we boost the Health Tourism of our country through massive investments," Mutsvangwa added.

Zimbabwe has already surpassed the US$5 billion revenue target for the sector, which it is expected to reach by 2025, as it remains one of the most popular tourism destinations globally.

The National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy is anchored on Zimbabwe’s vision to be a prime international tourist destination based on the judicious and sustainable exploitation of the unique assets of nature, culture, heritage and the built environment. A hive of activities marked the day as Minister Rwodzi and other officials extended warm hospitality to visitors arriving in Victoria Falls. Hope you have seen it