Zimbabwe ramps up sustainable tourism efforts

ZIMBABWE is intensifying efforts to create a sustainable hospitality industry by promoting climate-friendly destinations.
The World Tourism Organisation defines sustainable tourism as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities”.

Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe president Farai Chimba told The Financial Gazette this week that players in the sector had adopted initiatives that ensure that tourism benefits both the community and the environment, at the same time, being profitable and viable.

Tourism minister Mangaliso Ndlovu

“The commitment is to move towards a fully-fledged sustainable destination, which requires innovation and commitment to leave behind a planet and environment future generations can enjoy,” Chimba said.

“Steps have been taken which have tackled reducing energy consumption and migrating to solar where possible, reducing waste focused on plastic and food… the migration from plastic straws and bottles has gained ground over the last three years.

“Sustainable procurement and sourcing using products with a reduced carbon footprint while looking at the overall impact to the environment is now key in our operations. Waste recycling is being practiced and we hope to continue to grow all these initiatives so that as an association we can one day realise 100 percent compliance with climate-friendly practices,” he added.

Players in the hospitality industry have over the years received international awards as a large number of properties have adopted various measures that reduce carbon footprint.

The sector has established partnerships including the Green Tourism Certification through a Scottish-based organisation and Zimbabwe Tourism Authority.
The hospitality industry has also signed a memorandum of understanding with Strong Universal Network Malta, which works within the framework of the 2015 Paris Accords and Sustainable Development Goals.

“The hospitality industry has been actively involved over the last decade from the camps, lodges and hotels in building on sustainable travel. Guests are encouraged to participate in more sustainable practices through adopting measures that promote this.

“Recently, we joined hands with our parent ministry, Africa Institute and Serious Business in implementing plastic free hotels and lodges, which will set the pace in creating awareness for our businesses and the stakeholders that we interact and do business with” Chimba said.

Tourism minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said Zimbabwe was guided by the sustainable tourism development guidelines and management practices as stipulated by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.

He added that the country was also developing the minimum tourism guidelines on sustainable tourism to be incorporated into legislation.
Among Zimbabwe Stock Exchange-listed hoteliers, Rainbow Tourism Group has commenced rolling out green energy initiatives as part of its sustainability strategy.
“The first project is the rolling out of a 300 KVA solar system at Kadoma Hotel and Conference Centre.

“The installation of the system commenced on March 1, 2022 and is expected to be commissioned during the second quarter of the year,” the hotelier said in its 2021 annual report, adding that the system was adequate to support the energy requirements of the entire hotel.
“It is the ambition of the group to roll out solar technology solutions across the entire portfolio of our hotels. The project is part of the group’s strategy in driving renewable energy solutions to consistently power needs in line with our sustainability drive.”

On its part, African Sun said it considers environmental protection and green programmes integral to the long-term viability of its business and of the communities within which it operates.

“We aim for sustainability, conservation, renewable energy, and overall consideration for future generations across our entire value chain.
“The company’s environment policy, therefore, positions it as a corporate citizen that is part of an intricate system made up of people, other organisations, and nature,” African Sun said in its 2021 annual report.

The hotel group said green programmes were implemented across the group on a hotel-by-hotel basis, taking into account local community and environmental challenges and resources. The Holiday Inn hotels have gone on a drive to ensure they reduce use of water, energy, and reduce carbon emissions and landfilling waste in an environmentally sustainable way, in accordance with the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) Green Engage standards.
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