The Enhancement of Sustainable Tourism Education and Training to Primary School Level and Rural Communities in Zimbabwe

Abstract

In a bid to mitigate adverse long term effects in biodiversity and loss of wildlife and to prepare communities for the challenges arising out of tourism and hospitality developments in their vicinity, it is vital that communities living next to tourist attractions be educated so that they practice eco-tourism or sustainable tourism as a matter of priority. This study postulates a model for the development of a curriculum for the education of primary school learners in Zimbabwe and for the training of rural communities living within or neighboring tourism resorts and attractions. Such a curriculum should equip primary school learners and communities with the requisite knowledge to preserve and protect their environment effectively. Introducing tourism and hospitality education at primary school and community level augments benefits for school learners and rural communities.