Unlocking the potential of religious tourism in Zimbabwe : a case for Harare city

Abstract

Religious tourism has, over the years, witnessed considerable growth due to its contribution to mainstream tourism and the economy. Consequently, several countries have increasingly continued to regard it as vital to their economies. However, some developing countries such as Zimbabwe have not yet fully incorporated religious tourism into their economies. Therefore, this study sought to explore religious tourism as a potential driver for socio-economic development in Harare. The objectives of the study were to identify the major religious tourism activities taking place in Harare, determine their socio-economic benefits, challenges hindering the development of religious tourism, and offer possible strategies that can be adopted to promote the growth of religious tourism in the City of Harare. A mixed-method data collection approach, which included the use of questionnaires and interviews, were used to gather data. A sample of 100 randomly selected respondents was chosen to participate in the study. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted using a sample comprised of pilgrims, church leaders, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority management, and the City of Harare Municipal Authority. The study found that conventions and Christian-based camps are the most prevalent religious tourism activities in Harare attracting the highest number of religious tourists compared to other religious activities in the city of Harare. Furthermore, the study revealed that the growth of religious tourism has led to several social and economic benefits. The social benefits attributable to religious tourism include improved quality of life, social cohesion, enhanced cultural education and conservation, and improved faith among congregants. The economic benefits related to religious tourism include increased job opportunities, increased municipal tax revenue, and improved public utility infrastructure. Nonetheless, the development of religious tourism in Harare has been hampered by factors such as inadequate accommodation facilities, inferior quality of existing restaurants, lack of government support, environmental pollution, safety and security issues, and poor infrastructural development. Therefore, it was recommended that the regulatory board, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, leads the promotion of religious tourism. Tourism stakeholders should collectively strategize to unlock and harness the potential of religious tourism in the country. Additionally, the study recommended that church authorities offer tourist facilities, such as adequate and standard guest houses, restaurants, cafeterias, lodges, and bathing rooms. Similarly, church leadership should ensure that the safety and security of congregants are improved during their stay. Standard litter management practices should be adopted to address the environmental pollution problem. Future studies must be extended to other religious sects and other regions of Zimbabwe. In equal measure, various methodologies should be adopted to probe the problem further.