Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Soda Zhemu says Cabinet has approved a plan for the targeted development of tourism attractions in the Eastern Highlands corridor, during today’s Post-Cabinet briefing.
Zhemu said the plan is meant to unlock the tourism potential of the Eastern Highlands, which has been designated a priority tourism zone.
“The Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry presented the Plan for the Targeted Development of Tourism Attractions in the Eastern Highlands, which was approved by Cabinet.
The plan seeks to develop targeted tourism attractions in the Eastern Highlands corridor, which the Second Republic has identified as a tourism-designated zone with significant potential for tourism development,” said Zhemu.
He noted that the initiative comes at a time when the tourism sector continues to record steady growth.
“This comes when the country’s tourism sector is on an upward trajectory, recording a 10 percent growth in tourism receipts, contributing about 6 percent to the Gross Domestic Product and receiving international accolades, including recognition by Forbes Magazine as one of the best destinations in the world,” added Zhemu.
Zhemu said Government is implementing a cluster-based strategy to diversify tourism products and improve competitiveness across provinces.
“Government’s strategy is to advance tourism development through a Cluster-Based Approach, designed to diversify tourism products and strengthen provincial competitiveness.
The identified clusters include Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions tourism, sports tourism, culture and heritage tourism, as well as agro-tourism,” he added
He added that the approach is aligned with the Devolution and Decentralisation Policy to ensure balanced development.
“The Cluster-Based Approach will enhance the effective utilisation of regional tourism and heritage assets, thereby promoting balanced, inclusive and sustainable growth across all tourism regions,” said Zhemu.
He said Government has already made significant investments in Manicaland Province following the hosting of the 2025 Sanganayi/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi Tourism Expo.
“Government’s commitment to developing the Eastern Highlands as a prime tourist attraction has been demonstrated through the hosting of the 2025 Sanganayi/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi Tourism Expo in Manicaland.
It resulted in rehabilitation of key roads, refurbishment of hot spring facilities, and upgrades of sports and recreational infrastructure, including the Mutare Sports Club and the expansion of Grand Reef Airport,” he said.
Zhemu said the new plan will focus on developing key tourism growth nodes in the province.
“A targeted development approach will focus on unlocking high-potential destinations within the Eastern Highlands, particularly Nyanga, Mutare, Vumba, Chipinge and Chimanimani, as anchor tourism growth nodes in order to consolidate the province as a competitive tourism hub,” he said.
He added that the programme will stimulate local economies and create jobs.
“Coordinated investment in iconic tourism products within the Eastern Highlands will stimulate local economic development, promote community participation in tourism and generate sustainable employment opportunities, while increasing tourism earnings in line with national development targets,” said Zhemu.
Government continues to prioritise tourism as one of the key pillars for economic growth under Vision 2030, with the Eastern Highlands identified as one of the country’s flagship tourism corridors due to its strong potential in eco-tourism, adventure tourism, culture and heritage tourism as well as agro-tourism.
