Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS) in conjunction with the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry hosted the World Tourism Day Symposium at MSUAS Fern Hill Main Campus on the 8th of September 2023.
Running under the theme; ‘Tourism and Green Investments’, the Symposium was part of the World Tourism Day celebrations which is observed annually on the 27th of September.
In his welcome remarks, MSUAS Acting Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean-Research Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, Dr C. Bhukuvhani extended his gratitude to the government as well as the Ministry for selecting MSUAS to host the World Tourism Symposium.
“As MSUAS we feel humbled to be given the opportunity to host this very important event, aimed at buttressing the government’s blueprint vision 2030 ‘Towards a Prosperous and Empowered Upper Middle-Income Society’. The implementation of this economic development strategy demands academic and industry practitioners’ inquisition into issues affecting our national development for production of sustainable solutions through innovation which will subsequently lead to the industrialization of Zimbabwe. Tourism remains a veritable vehicle to reduce poverty and create employment as well as in communities both developed and developing,” said Dr. C. Bhukuvani.
Similar sentiments echoed from the Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Manicaland Province Mr E. Seenza who recognized the event as significant to nation building and growth as well as realizing government’s blueprint vision 2030.
“Through the theme for this year, green investments are indeed key for sustainable tourism recovery. I would like to applaud the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry and MSUAS who worked tirelessly to make sure that the event becomes a resounding success. We appreciate the collaboration and we believe such partnerships are important for the nation’s growth as we work towards achieving vision 2030,” he said.
Subsequently, the Director in the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Mrs. G. Chinyerere speaking on the event on behalf of the Permanent Secretary for Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Ambassador Faranisi said “In as far as tourism and green investments is concerned there is need for more and better-targeted traditional and non-traditional investments that are required for people, the planet and for prosperity. This enables tourism to deliver on its opportunities for people to build resilient climate action and greater sustainability for the planet and deliver inclusive prosperity around the pillars of innovation and entrepreneurship. Tourism is one of our key economic pillars, it creates thousands of jobs and has contributed to our country’s infrastructural development,”
The symposium attracted universities and tourism players as well as private organisations such as, Harare Polytechnic, Mutare Polytechnic, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Kwekwe Polytechnic, National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Zimbabwe Republic Police among other organizations.
