Tourism is a significant contributor to the economy of Zimbabwe. The country is blessed with vast natural beauty, rich history, and diverse cultures that attract millions of visitors each year. In this article, we will delve into how much tourism contributes to the country’s economy and its impact on the nation’s overall development.
Overview of Zimbabwe’s Tourism Industry
Zimbabwe’s tourism industry has experienced tremendous growth in recent years. According to the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), the country received over 2.6 million visitors in 2018 alone, generating approximately $1.4 billion in revenue. This represents a significant increase from the previous year, where the nation received just over 2 million visitors.
Direct Contribution to GDP
Tourism plays a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s economy as it directly contributes to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The direct contribution of travel and tourism to GDP was approximately $1.7 billion in 2018, accounting for 7.2% of total GDP. This figure is expected to rise to $3.5 billion by 2028, representing an annual growth rate of 7%.
Employment Opportunities
The tourism industry in Zimbabwe has created employment opportunities for thousands of people across different sectors such as hospitality, transportation, tour guides, and others. According to a report by ZTA, the industry supported over 300,000 jobs directly in 2018 and indirectly created another 1 million jobs.
Foreign Exchange Earnings
Tourism also contributes significantly to foreign exchange earnings for Zimbabwe. In 2018, international visitors spent approximately $1 billion on accommodation, transport, leisure activities and other services related to their stay in Zimbabwe.
The Impact of Tourism on National Development
Apart from its economic benefits, tourism also has a positive impact on the country’s social and cultural development. It promotes the preservation of natural resources, cultural heritage sites and encourages the growth of local communities.
Preservation of Natural Resources
Zimbabwe has many natural attractions such as Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, and Mana Pools National Park that are not only beautiful but also provide a habitat for various wildlife species. The revenue generated from tourism helps to fund conservation efforts to maintain these natural resources’ integrity.
Cultural Preservation
Tourism also encourages the preservation of Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors are often drawn to traditional music and dance performances, art, craft markets, and historical sites such as the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. These activities help to preserve Zimbabwe’s culture for future generations while also providing income for local communities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tourism is a vital contributor to Zimbabwe’s economy as it directly contributes to GDP, creates employment opportunities, and generates foreign exchange earnings. It also has a positive impact on national development by promoting the preservation of natural resources and cultural heritage sites while encouraging growth in local communities. As such, it is critical for Zimbabwe to continue investing in its tourism industry through infrastructure development, marketing campaigns and other initiatives that will attract more visitors to the country.