African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, Volume 7 (1) - (2018) ISSN: 2223-814X Copyright: © 2018 AJHTL - Open Access- Online @ http//: www.ajhtl.com 1 The Tourism Sector: A bright light in Zimbabwe`s depressed economic environment Zhou Zibanai Midlands State University Tourism & Hospitality Management Department Gweru, Zimbabwe zhou.zibanai@gmail.com or zhouz@staff.msu.ac.zw Abstract This paper aims to respond to a knowledge gap on an important macro- economic question that has ignited inconclusive debates among investors and policy makers on whether or not tourism can lead to economic development in transitioning economies. The common narrative that tourism is a magic bullet for economic transformation consistently cited by tourism pundits is typically based on speculative and generalised country specific contextual variables. This research paper aims to examine the commonly discussed socio-economic benefits of tourism to provide a richer comprehension of these benefits in the various tourist destination contexts. The study adopted a descriptive-qualitative method through desk research and in-depth interviews with government, local residents, 200 registered local tourism operators and industry expert opinion leaders to probe the economic system-wide impact of tourism in Zimbabwe. Quotations from participants were used to highlight core themes relevant to critical theories of tourism and economic growth. The research results show that the tourism sector contributes over $500 million into the national economy; supports in excess of 200 000 employees directly; favours massive infrastructural developments; supports conservation of resources, and spruces the image of the country. By examining the economic system- wide impacts spawned by the tourism phenomenon, this paper expands the conversation about tourism and economic growth of which very little has been documented in transitioning economies. Hence, this study, which focuses on Zimbabwe aims to fill this knowledge gap. It is envisaged that the implementation of strategies proffered herein will cause a seismic shift in Zimbabwe`s tourism landscape and economic fortunes. Keywords- Tourism, economic development, Zimbabwe, ZTA, depressed macro-economic environment. Introduction The mainstream travel and tourism industry is the largest contemporary global sector which is making headline news with its fastest rate of growth (WTTC, 2011). At a glance, and at a global level, the tourism sector in 2016 in total generated $7.6 trillion, which is 10 per cent of global GDP and some 292 million jobs equivalent to 1 in 10 jobs in the global economy. The tourism industry in fully industrialised economies is well known for its potential to generate revenue, job opportunities, spurring economic transformation, and supporting infrastructural development (Chou, 2013; Arezki et al., 2009; Oh, 2005; Creaco and Querini, 2003; Dwyer, 2000). Factually, the Zimbabwean economy relies upon three key sectors in the mould of agriculture, mining and tourism (ZTA, 2017, Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, 2017). Thousands of employment opportunities and other downstream industries are intricately interdependent with tourism growth. Lee and Chang (2008) posited that tourism development stimulates the growth of the industry as well as influencing economic growth. Informed by such empirical findings, many countries are frantically promoting their tourism sectors as a strategic economic development option capable of eradicating poverty, and giving hope to the economically and socially disadvantaged. Economic pundits like Brau et al., (2003) and Eugenio-Martin et al., (2004) stress tourism`s far reaching economic ramifications on national economies