Abstract
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.