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[QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 67370, member: 636"]
Zimbabwe's tourism minister is encouraging citizens to vacation domestically during the upcoming holiday period as officials work to address pricing concerns that have discouraged local travelers. Barbara Rwodzi announced the push at a campaign launch event held on Friday in Kariba, where she emphasized that visitors from within the country already account for roughly three-quarters of the sector's economic contribution. The industry now represents 17 percent of the national gross domestic product, surpassing both agriculture and mining for the first time this year.

Authorities are revising tourism legislation following consultations with industry representatives to make costs more competitive with regional and Asian destinations. Rwodzi said the government wants families to celebrate the festive season at local attractions with friends and relatives rather than traveling abroad. She credited policies promoted by President Emmerson Mnangagwa for helping the nation earn recognition as a top destination by Forbes Magazine despite economic sanctions.

Infrastructure improvements have strengthened the sector's appeal, particularly the expansion of Victoria Falls International Airport to handle larger aircraft. Officials plan to begin work on the Harare-Chirundu Highway starting in January 2026 to boost access to Kariba. The campaign operates under the slogan Zimbabwe, Our Heritage and marks the official start of the holiday season.
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