The Sunday Mail
Sunday Mail Reporter
A local non-governmental organisation, the Rural Enterprise Development Trust (REDT), has embarked on a drive to promote domestic tourism by spotlighting some “hidden tourism gems” in rural areas.
Last week, REDT facilitated a tour to some tourist sites such as Matendera Monuments, Marovanyati Dam in Buhera, Tugwi-Mukosi Dam, Save-Runde, Chiredzi sugar plantations, Gonarezhou National Park and Save Conservancy.
Speaking during the tour, REDT chairperson Mr Israel Thompson urged locals to support domestic tourism, as there are many unrecognised tourist sites around the country.
“We are trying to promote and showcase local areas or tourist attractions that people can visit in Zimbabwe. Besides well-known sites such as the Victoria Falls or Great Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe has many unrecognised tourist sites in every province. By highlighting the potential of such sites, we are promoting domestic tourism,” he said.
“This is in line with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) that seeks to encourage local tourism.”
Mr Thompson said Zimbabweans should make the most of resources in their areas and embrace community-based tourism.
“The Trust is focusing on rural development; we are trying to empower rural economies through agriculture, tourism, mining and value-addition. We encourage people to be proud of their local areas and help to promote tourist sites in their communities. This will help to champion community-based tourism and encourage participation of the rural population in domestic tourism.”
Domestic tourism, he added, could complement foreign visitors.
REDT believes the lull in the sector caused by the coronavirus pandemic highlighted the importance of growing “a loyal clientele of domestic tourists who can sustain the industry when foreigners are not able to visit”.
Chief Mugabe (real name Matubede Mudavanhu) from Masvingo said traditional leaders have a role to play in promoting domestic tourism.
He commended the Trust for supporting the Government’s initiative to develop rural communities.
“Locals should not ignore areas from where they come from. Charity begins at home.
“Our local areas are very rich in terms of cultural heritage and natural splendour, so we should not ignore them as locals. Domestic tourism also helps in rural development,” Tour guide Mr Bhekuzulu Ndebele said.
“It’s exciting that domestic tourism is finally taking off because there are a lot of hidden gems in Zimbabwe’s tourism circles.”
