Is the tourism sector missing from the disability inclusion conversation?

Jonathan Sibanda

The recently concluded National Disability Expo, held in Victoria Falls, appeared to be a success, attracting a wide range of exhibitors and attendees — from school children to senior citizens.

The three-day event, held under the theme “Accelerating Disability Inclusion Now: A Collective Responsibility,” reached its peak on Friday with an official opening ceremony presided over by Vice President Kembo Mohadi on behalf of His Excellency, President Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa.

Exhibitors from various government ministries, private companies, educational institutions, and organisations representing Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) filled the allocated stands. Public attendance was fair, with seating arrangements nearly at full capacity.

While some exhibitions were from PWD-focused or empowerment organisations, inclusion was clearly reflected by the diverse organisations — both public and private — where PWDs are playing active roles in different professions. This highlighted the principle that PWDs are capable of contributing meaningfully across all sectors of society, not just within PWD-specific organisations.

However, despite the broad representation from government departments, institutions, and private companies, one of Victoria Falls’ biggest economic drivers — the tourism industry — appeared conspicuously absent. Hotels, lodges, and activity providers, who form the backbone of the local economy, were noticeably missing from the Expo.

Their absence raises important questions about the extent to which this multi-billion-dollar sector is embracing disability inclusion — not only in terms of accessible amenities for visitors but also in providing employment, leadership, and entrepreneurial opportunities for PWDs within the industry.

The tourism sector, particularly in Victoria Falls, is widely recognised as one of the country’s key economic pillars. With millions of dollars flowing through hotels, lodges, tour operators, and activity providers, its potential to drive real change in the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities is significant.

Yet, at the National Disability Expo, the absence of tourism players did not go unnoticed.

A representative from a local boat cruise operator noted that there may be a lack of buy-in from the sector, partly due to insufficient communication and involvement at the planning stage. “You find that the tourism players were waiting for an invitation to participate,” the representative said.

A tour operator echoed a different sentiment, suggesting that the sector may not have viewed the Expo as directly relevant to its usual operations.“Tour operators usually attend tour operators’ shows throughout the world,” the representative explained, indicating that the Expo may not have been seen as a natural fit within the sector’s regular calendar.

When asked about showcasing PWDs in meaningful roles — as some other institutions at the Expo had done — another tourism representative argued that “bringing people with disabilities shouldn’t be the show.” They stressed the importance of normalising inclusion rather than turning it into a performance, a view that reflects ongoing tensions between visibility and tokenism in disability inclusion conversations.

The absence of tourism representatives also raises questions about whether the sector is doing enough to go beyond physical accessibility and promote broader inclusion — including employment opportunities for PWDs and representation in decision-making structures.

From the perspective of the disability community, there is acknowledgment that opportunities within tourism do exist, but stronger collaboration is needed to make them a reality. PWD advocate Mr. Fred Mafira highlighted the need for structured engagement between the sector and disability representatives, particularly in light of the proposed 15% quota system aimed at promoting inclusion in employment and other opportunities. “The opportunities are there, but there needs to be meetings with stakeholders to ensure they translate into real benefits,” Mafira noted.

As conversations around disability inclusion continue to grow, the National Disability Expo has once again highlighted both progress and the gaps that remain. The success of the event in Victoria Falls demonstrated the power of collective action and the ability of PWDs to contribute meaningfully across all sectors. However, the notable absence of tourism players serves as a reminder that inclusion is not just about accessible facilities, but about real, visible representation and opportunities in every aspect of society.

With tourism playing such a central role in Zimbabwe’s economy — especially in destinations like Victoria Falls — greater engagement from the sector could set the tone for meaningful inclusion, ensuring that no one is left behind in both economic and social participation.