Mavetera Calls for AI Adoption to Modernize Zimbabwe’s Tourism Sector

Zimbabwe’s tourism sector is being urged to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) to transform how visitor data is gathered and analyzed across the country.

Speaking at the 2026 Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe Expo Scholarstica Programme in Masvingo, ICT, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera emphasized that live tracking is essential for modern economic planning.

Minister Mavetera noted that relying on delayed paper reports leaves decision-makers working with outdated information. Adopting smart technologies will allow industry players to track tourist flows in real time, forecast seasonal trends, and adjust destination marketing strategies quickly.

This digital push aligns with the Zimbabwe National AI Strategy (2026–2030), which serves as a blueprint for deploying advanced technology across vital sectors, including hospitality, mining, and agriculture. By processing digital travel patterns automatically, local operators can gain clearer insights into visitor habits and boost service delivery.

Minister Mavetera commended all participants in the Scholarstica Programme and praised the event organizers, led by Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi, for providing a collaborative platform that bridges technology and tourism.

With national digital infrastructure expanding rapidly, experts believe integrating AI into tourism statistics will yield an accurate picture of the local travel economy and attract further investment.