Dennis Ndlovu I Zim GBC News | Zim GBC News
Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands could soon become a major hub for cultural tourism and creative industries, following a new government plan to develop the region into a leading destination.
Cabinet has approved a targeted strategy to boost tourism in areas such as Nyanga, Vumba, Mutare, Chimanimani and Chipinge, focusing on culture, heritage and creative experiences alongside traditional attractions.
Presenting the plan, Honourable Barbara Rwodzi,
Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to unlock the region’s potential.
“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,” she said.
Officials say the initiative forms part of a wider effort to diversify tourism offerings and position Zimbabwe as a competitive global destination.
According to the Cabinet briefing,
“Government’s Strategy is to advance tourism development through a Cluster-Based Approach, which is designed to diversify tourism products and strengthen provincial competitiveness.”
The plan adopts a cluster-based approach, which includes culture and heritage tourism as a key pillar. This is expected to create new platforms for artists, performers and cultural practitioners to showcase their work to both local and international audiences.
Authorities say the tourism sector is already gaining momentum.
“The country’s tourism sector is on an upward trajectory, recording a 10% growth in tourism receipts, 6% contribution to Gross Domestic Product,” the post Cabinet press briefing noted.
Recent investments in the Eastern Highlands have included infrastructure upgrades, refurbishment of leisure facilities and improvements to sports venues. Government says these developments are already delivering results.
“The province recorded notable achievements including rehabilitation of key roads, refurbishment of hot spring facilities, and upgrades of sports and recreational infrastructure”
By promoting community participation, the strategy also aims to ensure that local creatives benefit directly from tourism growth, through craft markets, performances and storytelling rooted in Zimbabwe’s heritage.
It was added that the initiative is designed to stimulate broader economic activity.
“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.”
The move could revitalise the arts sector by linking it more closely with tourism, creating sustainable income streams for creatives while preserving cultural identity.
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Zim GBC News | Global News From An African Perspective ©2026
Dennis Ndlovu I Zim GBC News
Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands could soon become a major hub for cultural tourism and creative industries, following a new government plan to develop the region into a leading destination.
Cabinet has approved a targeted strategy to boost tourism in areas such as Nyanga, Vumba, Mutare, Chimanimani and Chipinge, focusing on culture, heritage and creative experiences alongside traditional attractions.
Presenting the plan, Honourable Barbara Rwodzi,
Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to unlock the region’s potential.
“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,” she said.
Officials say the initiative forms part of a wider effort to diversify tourism offerings and position Zimbabwe as a competitive global destination.
According to the Cabinet briefing,
“Government’s Strategy is to advance tourism development through a Cluster-Based Approach, which is designed to diversify tourism products and strengthen provincial competitiveness.”
The plan adopts a cluster-based approach, which includes culture and heritage tourism as a key pillar. This is expected to create new platforms for artists, performers and cultural practitioners to showcase their work to both local and international audiences.
Authorities say the tourism sector is already gaining momentum.
“The country’s tourism sector is on an upward trajectory, recording a 10% growth in tourism receipts, 6% contribution to Gross Domestic Product,” the post Cabinet press briefing noted.
Recent investments in the Eastern Highlands have included infrastructure upgrades, refurbishment of leisure facilities and improvements to sports venues. Government says these developments are already delivering results.
“The province recorded notable achievements including rehabilitation of key roads, refurbishment of hot spring facilities, and upgrades of sports and recreational infrastructure”
By promoting community participation, the strategy also aims to ensure that local creatives benefit directly from tourism growth, through craft markets, performances and storytelling rooted in Zimbabwe’s heritage.
It was added that the initiative is designed to stimulate broader economic activity.
“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.”
The move could revitalise the arts sector by linking it more closely with tourism, creating sustainable income streams for creatives while preserving cultural identity.
Stay Connected with Zim GBC News:
· X (Twitter): @ZimGbc
· Instagram: @ZimGBCNews
· TikTok: @ZimGBCNews_01
· Facebook: Zim GBC News
· YouTube: Zim GBC News
Get real-time alerts on WhatsApp:
+263 773 820 323
For in-depth coverage, visit: www.zimgbcnews.co.zw
Zim GBC News | Global News From An African Perspective ©2026