The minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Prisca Mupfumira has described youths as agents and catalyst for economic development saying it is the government’s agenda to empower the young people through the inclusivity template to guarantee equal representation across all economic sectors.
Speaking at the launch of the ‘Preparations for Youth In Tourism Conference’ in Harare today Mupfumira said tourism sector is loaded with opportunities ready for young men and women to exploit while the government stands ready empower them.
“The government does not just recognize the potential of young women and men as leaders of tomorrow, but is also cognizant of their role as positive change agents for socioeconomic development.
“We need to nurture our youths to play a critical role in eradicating poverty and participating fully in the development of societies through different platforms including tourism,” said Mupfumira.
Mupfumira further applauded President Emmerson Mnangagwa for his economic vision which she said is slanted towards the youths as demonstrated by the commissioning of both women and youths banks a couple of days ago.
“This is a clear indication that the government of Zimbabwe is seriously committed to empowering both young women and men of this country.
“It is, indeed, the vision that His Excellency, the President, has set for us as a nation going forward,” she said.
She added that the government intends to create a platform across the entire continent in a bid to institute dialogue among the young people to enhance sense of belonging and responsibility to make them instrumental in economic development.
Meanwhile, the Secretary for Tourism and Hospitality, Dr Thokozile Chitepo, speaking ahead of the Youths In Tourism Conference, said it is the government’s expectation to see the youths participating in different projects to develop their livelihoods.
“So we also expect this conference to be a place where there will be lots of networking and knowledge sharing, exhibitions amongst young people, young tourism players and operators who are young,” she said.
She added that youths across the country will be fully represented at the conference so that every young people is not left out.
The Youth In Tourism Conference slated for 19 -24 September in Bulawayo will be held under the theme, ‘Fostering Tourism Development and Innovation Africa Through Youths Participation’
