Zimbabwe’s economic growth relies on tourism

Almost 200 experts on culture and tourism gathered in Harare for the African Union-Sadc-United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation during a meeting on culture and development as Africa aims to secure benefits for the South Africa World Cup 2010.

The meeting is the first of its kind in Africa which aims to raise awareness on the protection of the country’s heritage and harness its potential for cultural and economic growth in the region.

In addition, the two-day meeting wants to identify significant elements of superior quality cultural tourism schemes and improve beyond-boundary projects and programmes on culture.

All 14 members of the Sadc have representatives at secretary level. The meeting will tackle information dissemination and identification of different communication schemes as well as improve long-term plans to raise cultural awareness for future development.

Sylvester Nguni, the State Minister of Vice President Mujuru’s office, opens the conference by reading a speech where he encouraged the participants to think of applicable strategies to improve culture and tourism in the region.

Nguni added that the importance of tourism in economic growth is acknowledged all over the world. He stressed that improvements in tourism, African culture and development should go hand in hand.