By Simbarashe Sithole
ZIMBABWE will not allow economic sanctions to derail its tourism ambitions, with Citizens for Economic Sanctions (CAES) chairman Ellison Muchenje, popularly known as Cde Samuriwo, declaring that no restrictions can stop foreigners from flocking to the country’s tourist attractions.
Muchenje made the rallying call as CAES threw its weight behind the 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, which is underway in Masvingo.
He said Zimbabwe had everything it needed to compete for tourists on the global stage, insisting that the country’s natural beauty, wildlife, heritage and warm hospitality remained powerful attractions.
“Zimbabwe is the best tourist destination. Sanctions do not limit the country from getting foreigners. We have beautiful tourist attractions and we must continue marketing Zimbabwe to the world,” Muchenje said.
He said Sanganai/Hlanganani was more than just a tourism exhibition, arguing that it was a platform for Zimbabwe to sell itself to the world, attract visitors and unlock business opportunities for local communities.
“Tourism is a business and we must make sure that Zimbabwe benefits from the millions of people travelling across the world. We have the resources and attractions; whatv we need is aggressive marketing,” he said.
Muchenje’s comments come as Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi continues to raise Zimbabwe’s profile beyond the country’s borders, including through international tourism engagements and recognition.
Her growing international visibility has provided another platform for Zimbabwe to market its tourism offering and position itself as a serious destination for international travellers.
CAES said such recognition should be converted into tangible tourism arrivals, investment and jobs.
The organisation also linked its support for the expo to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s push to position Zimbabwe as an investment and tourism destination, with government repeatedly calling for the country to open its doors to investors and visitors.
Muchenje said Zimbabweans should stop allowing negative perceptions of the country to overshadow its tourism potential.
“We must tell the world the truth about Zimbabwe. We are open, we are ready for tourists and we have some of the best attractions in the world. Nothing should stop us from selling Zimbabwe,” he said.
The Masvingo expo has brought together tourism operators, exhibitors and other players in the sector, providing a platform to showcase Zimbabwe’s attractions while creating opportunities for networking, investment and international partnerships.
For CAES, the message is simple: sanctions or no sanctions, Zimbabwe’s tourism door remains wide open.