GOVERNMENT has thrown its weight behind township tourism, citing it as one of the unique places to boost domestic tourism.
Township tourism involves visiting and exploring the historically marginalised urban areas known as townships, which is quite common in South Africa.
These areas were often established during racially segregated communities and today, township tourism offers visitors a chance to experience the vibrant culture, history, and resilience of these communities.
Speaking at a Hlanganani/Sangani Exhibition Press briefing last Friday in Bulawayo, Tourism and Hospitality Industry deputy minister Tongai Mnangagwa said the government was overlooking historical or outstanding places in the local townships.
“Zimbabweans are everywhere in the world and have gained a vast amount of knowledge and experience, that’s what we want. The President [Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa] is saying come back home and implement all that you have learnt in a more vibrant and fun way,” he said.
“We went to a place called Maboneng in Bulawayo, a place that was properly done and you can experience your ‘Soweto’ [South African township] and your busy corner. It was once run by the city council, but someone has redone it and we had drinks there, met the owners and understood their vision.”
With township tourism, tourists can interact with local residents, enjoy traditional food, visit local markets and learn about the social and political history that shaped these areas.
It provides an opportunity to see a different side of a country, beyond the typical tourist attractions, while contributing to local economies.
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Mnangagwa said it was up to Zimbabweans to engage and collaborate with the ministry for mutual growth.
“That’s the thing, a product can be best created and understood by its owner, we can then market it, so come let’s talk and see how best we can assist each other,” Mnangagwa said.
He called for the inclusion of locally based media houses in tours.
“For example, Bulawayo-based journalists should take a lead role in driving regional tourism promotion due to their proximity to tourist attractions, as they are best positioned to effectively convey the appeal of nearby tourist sites, given their geographical proximity,” he said.
Mnangagwa said this could be done while emphasising the availability of media from other regions to provide additional support.
"This is in the true spirit of devolution,” he said.
The push for township tourism comes as domestic tourism remains low in the country owing to the high pricing of tourist products and packages.
This year’s edition of the Sangani/Hlanganani Exhibition will run from September 12 to 14, in Bulawayo.
