The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has stepped up efforts to modernise the country’s tourism sector through a strategic partnership with NetOne, focusing on digital transformation, operational efficiency, and nationwide integration of tourism services.
The initiative is expected to ensure optimal utilisation of resources to enhance operations across the country. Key priorities include the full registration and licensing of tourism facilities in all provinces, strengthening of provincial offices in line with the devolution agenda, and improved efficiency through the adoption of digital systems.
Officials said the programme will streamline processes that were previously manual, resulting in faster service delivery and improved compliance within the sector.
Speaking at the event, a senior ZTA official said the integration of technology into tourism administration marks a significant step towards building a responsive and globally competitive industry.
“Zimbabwe is not only open it is connected,” she said, in remarks that became the rallying call of the engagement.
Representing the NetOne Group Chief Executive Officer, Joseph Machiva said the partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration in unlocking growth within key economic sectors.
“Together, we are strengthening a sector that already makes us proud, and positioning it for even greater contributions to national development,” he said.
Meanwhile ZTA Board Chairperson, Farai Chimba, commended partners, dignitaries and institutions that participated in the programme.
Chimba said the occasion underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between institutions in driving national development.
“This engagement reflects the strength of inter-institutional partnerships and the need to continuously deepen the collaboration we have built,” he said.
He emphasised the need to maintain momentum beyond the event.
“We must continue to socialise and strengthen this partnership so that it delivers tangible benefits and supports our shared national development goals,” he said.
Chimba expressed optimism that the cooperation demonstrated at Acturus would translate into long-term impact, with both organisations working closely to enhance the tourism sector’s performance.
The ZTA-NetOne partnership is seen as a microcosm of Zimbabwe’s broader ambition to modernise its economy through digital transformation, while reducing inefficiencies associated with manual systems in public institutions.
Tourism remains one of the country’s key economic pillars, contributing more than 15 percent to the Gross Domestic Product, as highlighted by sector stakeholders.
The integration of ICT tools, artificial intelligence-ready data infrastructure and expanded connectivity across tourism corridors and heritage sites will significantly enhance the sector’s capacity to attract and serve international markets.
The developments are expected to position Zimbabwe as a competitive global destination, with improved systems enabling the country to showcase its tourism offerings more effectively and engage with the world in real time.
