Dr. Phanos Matura: Championing Tourism for Economic Growth and Women’s Empowerment
Masvingo, Zimbabwe – As the world marks International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025, the celebration in Zimbabwe will kick off a day earlier, on March 7, 2025, at Tugwi Mukosi. Zimbabwe’s leading tourism expert, Dr. Phanos Matura (Ph.D.), will take the stage as a guest speaker. A highly respected tourism consultant, lecturer, and researcher, Dr. Matura will highlight the pivotal role of tourism in socioeconomic development, particularly in empowering women in Zimbabwe through sustainable tourism and entrepreneurship.
With over a decade of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry, Dr. Matura has become a key advocate for leveraging tourism as a driver of economic empowerment. As the Chairman of the Masvingo Great Zimbabwe Publicity Association and a Lecturer at the Munhumutapa School of Commerce, Great Zimbabwe University, he has played an instrumental role in promoting Zimbabwe’s tourism sector, equipping future generations with the skills to thrive in the industry.
The Tugwi Mukosi Dam, the largest inland dam in Zimbabwe, is a game-changing tourism and economic asset. With a capacity of 1.8 billion cubic meters, the dam is an engineering marvel that offers immense opportunities for economic development, including eco-tourism, fisheries, water sports, and hospitality ventures. Dr. Matura will emphasize how Tugwi Mukosi can be harnessed to drive regional tourism, create jobs, and empower women in business. The dam's strategic location and vast water body provide a unique opportunity for investment in luxury lodges, cultural tourism experiences, and conservation efforts, making it a potential key player in Zimbabwe’s economic transformation.
In his presentation, Dr. Matura will delve into how tourism can be a vehicle for empowering women, enabling them to establish businesses in the hospitality, cultural heritage, and eco-tourism industries. He will highlight the work of the Masvingo Great Zimbabwe Publicity Association in positioning Zimbabwe as a premier tourism destination, ensuring that women-led businesses are part of the value chain.
As a renowned researcher and academic, Dr. Matura has published over 16 research papers on tourism-related topics and has presented at various international conferences. His expertise in tourism management, sustainable tourism practices, policy development, and destination marketing makes him a vital voice in shaping Zimbabwe’s tourism landscape.
Dr. Matura firmly believes that academic institutions play a crucial role in shaping the future of tourism. He will discuss how Great Zimbabwe University and other institutions are equipping young women with skills in tourism management, hospitality, and cultural preservation, enabling them to become leaders and innovators in the industry.
His passion for sustainable tourism development and community engagement has positioned him as a thought leader dedicated to enhancing Zimbabwe’s tourism industry while fostering inclusive economic growth. At the International Women’s Day Celebration, he will inspire attendees with actionable insights on how women can take charge of their economic future through tourism and hospitality.
As the world pushes for gender equality and sustainable economic progress, Dr. Phanos Matura’s contributions continue to shape Zimbabwe’s tourism landscape. His commitment to education, research, and tourism advocacy makes him a key voice in the conversation on women’s empowerment and socioeconomic transformation.
The Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization (WEDO) Zimbabwe is honored to host Dr. Matura at this year’s celebration, reinforcing the importance of tourism as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and empowerment for women. His insights on Tugwi Mukosi’s potential will provide a roadmap for harnessing tourism as a driver of development, ensuring that women play a leading role in Zimbabwe’s economic future.
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