Zimbabwe's Tourism Boom Brings Jobs and Growth.
Tourism grows bigger each year in Zimbabwe. It makes up 12 cents of every dollar the country earns. The future looks bright as more people visit to enjoy the nation's wild places and warm weather.
Starting a tourism business costs less than many other types of work. Families can open small shops or tours. Big hotel chains are also building here. All these businesses need workers—many workers.
People, not machines, must help tourists. Many jobs pay basic wages, but skilled work pays better. Schools teach tourism through college degrees and hands-on practice. Students learn from experts who know the business well.
Zimbabwe is far from Europe and America, and long flights make it hard to get here. Tour groups often visit several African countries at once, and Zimbabwe wants these groups to stay longer and spend more money.
Tourism Minister Barbara Rwodzi focuses on money earned, not just visitor numbers. Rich tourists who stay a week help more than big groups who visit for one day. They spend more cash and create more jobs.
The country offers more than waterfalls and wildlife. Business meetings and shows bring people here for work. Many stay extra days to see the sights after their meetings end. Hotels and restaurants count on these visitors.
Rich tourists love Zimbabwe's fancy safari camps. A group of billionaires recently picked Zimbabwe for their holiday. They wanted luxury service in the African bush, and they got it.
Meeting planners and luxury camps need smart workers who speak many languages. Asian tourists want guides who understand their culture and language. Small companies with good workers can do well here.
Zimbabwe teams up with nearby countries like Botswana and Zambia to show tourists the Kavango-Zambezi area. Plans exist to work with Mozambique and Namibia, adding beach trips to bush safaris.
The tourism business faces tough competition. Zimbabwe had bad news stories before, but those days passed. More visitors arrive each year. Happy tourists tell their friends and post good reviews online, and good service keeps them coming back.
Tourism grows bigger each year in Zimbabwe. It makes up 12 cents of every dollar the country earns. The future looks bright as more people visit to enjoy the nation's wild places and warm weather.
Starting a tourism business costs less than many other types of work. Families can open small shops or tours. Big hotel chains are also building here. All these businesses need workers—many workers.
People, not machines, must help tourists. Many jobs pay basic wages, but skilled work pays better. Schools teach tourism through college degrees and hands-on practice. Students learn from experts who know the business well.
Zimbabwe is far from Europe and America, and long flights make it hard to get here. Tour groups often visit several African countries at once, and Zimbabwe wants these groups to stay longer and spend more money.
Tourism Minister Barbara Rwodzi focuses on money earned, not just visitor numbers. Rich tourists who stay a week help more than big groups who visit for one day. They spend more cash and create more jobs.
The country offers more than waterfalls and wildlife. Business meetings and shows bring people here for work. Many stay extra days to see the sights after their meetings end. Hotels and restaurants count on these visitors.
Rich tourists love Zimbabwe's fancy safari camps. A group of billionaires recently picked Zimbabwe for their holiday. They wanted luxury service in the African bush, and they got it.
Meeting planners and luxury camps need smart workers who speak many languages. Asian tourists want guides who understand their culture and language. Small companies with good workers can do well here.
Zimbabwe teams up with nearby countries like Botswana and Zambia to show tourists the Kavango-Zambezi area. Plans exist to work with Mozambique and Namibia, adding beach trips to bush safaris.
The tourism business faces tough competition. Zimbabwe had bad news stories before, but those days passed. More visitors arrive each year. Happy tourists tell their friends and post good reviews online, and good service keeps them coming back.
