HARARE — In a major milestone for Zimbabwe’s tourism industry, Aretha Takaza, General Manager of the iconic Great Zimbabwe Hotel, has assumed the prestigious position of National Chairperson of the Chamber of Women in Tourism.
The appointment was formally announced during a high-level national workshop and stakeholder convening in Harare, where the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry brought together provincial representatives from across the country to establish unified apex governance structures for women in tourism.
Takaza’s elevation to the national leadership position signals a new chapter for women-led tourism enterprises, with a strong emphasis on professionalism, performance, strategic leadership and sustainable business growth.
As National Chairperson, she is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening the participation of women across Zimbabwe’s tourism value chain, helping enterprises move from informal and small-scale operations towards formal, competitive and high-value businesses.
Her appointment comes at a particularly significant time for Masvingo Province, which is preparing to host the prestigious Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe World Tourism Expo, placing the province and its tourism attractions firmly in the international spotlight.
Based at the historic Great Zimbabwe Monument, Takaza has championed the integration of Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage with modern hospitality and executive management. Her leadership at Great Zimbabwe Hotel comes as the property undergoes significant expansion, including the development of new accommodation and state-of-the-art conferencing facilities.
Her appointment to the national position therefore represents more than a personal achievement. It places Masvingo’s tourism leadership at the centre of national conversations around sector recovery, innovation, investment and sustainable growth.
With women playing an increasingly important role across Zimbabwe’s tourism ecosystem, Takaza’s new mandate provides an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between tourism operators, policymakers, investors and women-led enterprises.
Her elevation is widely expected to bring renewed momentum to efforts aimed at building a more professional, resilient and internationally competitive tourism sector — while ensuring that women remain at the forefront of Zimbabwe’s tourism transformation. Great Zimbabwe Times
