Driving tourism growth in Matabeleland North
The Association for Tourism Hwange (ATH) participated in a panel discussion on “Tourism and Conservation as Economic Drivers” during an Investment and Infrastructure Conference held in Matabeleland North Province, 11-12 July 2025. The event was hosted by lnvestment lndaba at Bhenas Villa in Bulawayo. High-level policymakers, investors, development experts, and industry leaders attended the event which aimed to unlock the region’s economic potential.
As tourism and conservation intersect with broader economic development, ATH supports the balancing of ecological sustainability with inclusive business growth. We also believe that communities should benefit from tourism. The panel discussion highlighted the following key points:
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A social investment model - We presented our ongoing work with local communities, where conservation-based tourism initiatives not only preserve ecosystems and attract tourists but also create livelihoods from tourism operators that integrate with local communities, crafting cooperatives and cultural exchange programs.
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Infrastructure as an enabler - While our natural assets are exceptional, ATH acknowledged that strategic infrastructure investments especially in roads, clean energy, digital connectivity, and public utilities are critical to realising the full tourism potential of the region. These improvements are key to ensuring visitor accessibility, safety and comfort.
The discussions reinforced the idea that conservation is not a cost, it is a catalyst for economic resilience. The participation of key stakeholders such as ZTA, Zimbabwe National Parks (ZimParks) and Platinum Peak signalled a collective momentum toward building a collaborative tourism sector, driven by both public and private players.
As Matabeleland North takes bold steps towards industrialisation and investment diversification, ATH remains committed to ensuring that tourism and conservation are central to that vision not as peripheral sectors, but as economic powerhouses in their own right.