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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 28662, member: 2262"] Zimbabwe sees big jumps in people visiting from other countries. Tourist numbers shot up 27 percent this year. Travelers from abroad increased from 592,567 in 2023 to 751,483 during the first six months of 2024. Money from these visitors jumped 24 percent as well, climbing from $398 million last year to $493 million this year. Around the world, travel has bounced back strong after Covid. About 1.4 billion people traveled internationally in 2024, which beats the numbers from before the pandemic. That's 11 percent more than last year, adding 140 million extra travelers. The cash these tourists spent reached $1.9 trillion, higher than pre-Covid levels by 3 percent. These facts came out during a special meeting for lawmakers who handle tourism matters. The three-day event happened in Mutare recently. The main goals were to help these officials do a better job watching over tourism policies, push for more visitors, both local and foreign, and tackle problems facing hotels and tourist spots. Jacob Mudenda, who leads Parliament, told the lawmakers they must follow the rules in the Constitution and monitor what the Tourism Ministry does. These lawmakers can call ministers and officials to answer questions as part of their job. Mudenda praised the decision to create a separate committee just for tourism instead of mixing it with environmental issues. According to world experts, tourism covers many different activities. It includes people traveling for fun, business, sports, adventure, culture, education, medical care, religion, and nature. Each type depends on why someone travels and what they plan to do during their visit. Zimbabwe attracts visitors with amazing places like the thundering Victoria Falls, wild animals at Hwange National Park, ancient stone ruins at Great Zimbabwe, and beautiful mountain scenery. Babra Rwodzi, who runs the Tourism Ministry, promised open talks with the committee members. She wants them to grasp what her department handles and needs to do fully. Misheck Mugadza from Manicaland Province said success in tourism requires teamwork between government, businesses, and local people. He thanked Parliament for picking his area to host this meeting. Mugadza felt especially happy because the major Sanganai/Hlanganani travel show will happen in Manicaland for the first time ever. He believes this will showcase the region's natural beauty and cultural history. He hopes tourism growth benefits regular citizens through community projects. When local people take part in tourism work, they gain jobs and better lives, all while protecting the special places that make the country worth visiting. [/QUOTE]

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