A decline in access to natural resource based industries is resulting in fewer jobs and struggling local business. This change has forced more residents to leave their communities and even their country in search of financial security. Tourism builds a more diverse economic base and reduces reliance on traditional industries. It strengthens vulnerable local economies and impacts commercial and residential development by attracting visitors and increasing demand for housing and other services.
Investing in Tourism
Together, many groups, agencies and organizations are working to build and sustain an industry that fosters fresh ideas and innovative investment designed to make our region even better equipped to attract more visitors and stimulate economic activity.
Tourism injects new dollars into our economy, generates thousands of jobs and attracts innovative investment. Tourism contributes tax dollars to essential services that communities may not otherwise afford.
Actions You Can Take…
- Develop a dedicated Tourism Plan for the Hwange region
- Develop policies that encourages and supports tourism growth
- Work with us on collaborative messaging
- Have a dedicated staff member, committee or team that focuses specifically on tourism development, marketing and projects
- Consider the tourism sector when working with the resource extraction industries on land use
- Promote tourism careers
- Use Festivals and Events to attract visitors and improve quality of life for residents
- Invest in infrastructure that supports tourism
- Preserve cultural heritage sites and create sales venues or market places and spaces that are welcoming to locals and visitors.
Tourism is everyone’s business and everyone needs to play their part by applying knowledge, expertise and resources to achieve the best outcomes for a flourishing tourism industry in the Hwange region. Whoever you are, whatever you do, tourism brings value to your way of life. If you appreciate tourism, there are many ways to promote and support the industry to ensure its continued vitality and success. Let’s grow tourism together!
Be A Tourism Ambassador!
Tourism Ambassadors are passionate, motivated individuals who fulfill many roles, from government officials and front-line staff to spirited volunteers at local events and festivals. They believe in the potential of tourism and have made the commitment to take the necessary actions required to make tourism a dynamic, integral part of their communities. Their energy makes good things happen. Be a Tourism Ambassador and make a difference in the life of your community!
- Volunteer community events in our region
- Attend community events
- Get to know our local tourism operators
- Assists tourists with directions and resources
- Tell people about Hwange, wherever you are
- Get active on social media reposting Hwange tourism messages and sharing regional news and event information
Community Involvement
Communities engaged in the direction of tourism development are more likely to become active partners and take a particular stake in the development of the destination. This is an effective way to work with local communities to achieve mutual benefits including hiring from the local community and buying locally produced goods and services or sponsoring local events and working with local partners to support projects that increase the wellbeing of the community.
Tourism and economic development go hand in hand. Tourism depends upon and grows the same essential ingredients that make our communities desirable. Things like infrastructure and quality of life. Tourism talks the same talk with economic development efforts to attract investment, stimulate jobs and showcase our region to others. Tourism links directly to sectors and industries such as agriculture, construction and transportation.
Economic Development Can Do So Much!
Tourism is a big engine for growth. Tourism attracts and holds onto younger residents that love the safari lifestyle. Imagine how powerful the economy could be if we all worked under a common brand!
Actions you can take to power economic alignment and growth through tourism:
- Incorporate tourism messaging in your communications
- Incorporate tourism into your economic development plan
- Support tourism investment in your community
- Work with us on collaborative messaging
- Have a dedicated staff member, committee or team that focuses specifically on tourism
- Support policies that support tourism
- Promote tourism careers opportunities with workforce development and training
- Use Festivals and Events to attract visitors and improve quality of life for residents
- Provide information on tourism investment opportunities
- Facilitate meetings with tourism product developers
Our tourism industry is a vast and interwoven network of tourism businesses, industry organizations and government agencies – all working to grow and sustain a dynamic industry by fostering fresh, innovative ideas and encouraging investment to make our region even better equipped to attract more visitors, stimulate economic activity, and continue building. Their mission is to increase tourism’s economic benefits to the region and position the region as a preferred international travel destination.
Supporting the Association for Tourism in Hwange
As a tourism business in the Hwange region, you have the opportunity to add your voice to other members of ATH who are advocating for the interests of our very important industry. If you are member, stay actively involved with our events, our surveys and our email and social media communications. If you are not yet a member, considering joining today!
Community Involvement
Joining forces gives tourism clients more choice, and the destinations involved enjoy increased market exposure and penetration while engaging in a sustainable industry that takes into account the views and aspirations of host communities. Local support for tourism development and promotion is essential to enriching the visitor experience.
Communities engaged in the direction of tourism development are more likely to become active partners and take a particular stake in the development of the destination. Effective way to work with local communities to achieve mutual benefits include everything from hiring from our local community and buying locally produced goods and services to sponsoring local events and working with local partners to support projects that increase community well-being.