Toward Pro-Poor Local Economic Development in Zimbabwe: the role of pro-poor tourism.

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 8 (2030) explicitly encourages all countries to focus on economic growth and employment of their citizens. Closely related to this, is the pro-poor tourism approach. This article outlines strategies for pro-poor tourism development in Zimbabwe with the intention of enhancing local economic development in order to attempt to alleviate poverty in poor communities. The study adopted a documentary analysis methodology where it relied on secondary sources to critically argue pro-poor strategies and avenues that Zimbabwe tourism industry could adopt to enhance Local Economic Development in poor communities. The analysis showed that, Zimbabwe has previously focused on historically well-celebrated destinations and attractions, it now also need to harness possible tourist sites in poor communities so as to foster pro-poor local development. There is an urgent need for Zimbabwe to have good tourism governance processes and systems that will enable the effective attainment of pro-poor local economic development objectives. The study further noted the need to enhance economic opportunities for poor people to pursue tourism ventures and obtain a fair livelihood. Zimbabwe, further requires an urban renewal programme with an clear focus on urban regeneration to promote urban or township tourism in high density spaces in an effort to alleviate poverty and promote sustainability