MINISTER RWODZI CHAMPIONS SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AND HIGH-END INVESTMENT AT WORLD GOVERNMENT SUMMIT

The Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, participated today as a key panellist at the World Government Summit (WGS) 2026 in Dubai. Speaking at a high-level Roundtable on the Future of Tourism, Minister Rwodzi articulated a vision for a resilient, sustainable, and investment-heavy tourism sector that leverages Zimbabwe’s unique competitive advantages.

The Roundtable served as a premier global platform, convening influential policymakers, institutional investors, and tourism thought leaders. Discussions centred on the rapid shifts in traveller behaviour, the imperative of sustainability, and the strategic deployment of capital into emerging tourism frontiers.

During the deliberations, Minister Rwodzi highlighted Zimbabwe as a premier destination defined by its “rich heritage, world-class safari experiences, and the unparalleled warmth of its people.” She noted that this combination has earned the country significant international acclaim, most recently being recognized by Forbes Magazine as a top-tier global destination for 2026. This growing recognition, she argued, is a direct result of the government’s robust tourism policies and strategic investment frameworks designed to create a conducive environment for business.

Focus on Luxury Infrastructure

A centre-piece of the Minister’s presentation was the call for increased investment in luxury tourism infrastructure. She cited the ongoing construction of the Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls as a flagship example of Zimbabwe’s commitment to “Sports Tourism.” This 10,000-seater multi-purpose facility, scheduled for completion in March 2026, is expected to become a continental hub for world-class sporting events, further diversifying the tourism product beyond traditional sightseeing.

Minister Rwodzi also took the opportunity to acknowledge the technical and strategic support of UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO), noting that their partnership has been instrumental in aligning Zimbabwe’s growth with international best practices.

A Roadmap for 2026 and Beyond

Looking ahead, the Minister reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s readiness to host the UN Tourism Committee on Tourism and Sustainability (CTS) from 27 to 28 April 2026. Hosting this prestigious committee in Victoria Falls underscores the country’s role as an active contributor to global sustainability policy.

“Zimbabwe is not just a participant in the future of tourism; we are architects of it,” Minister Rwodzi remarked. By prioritizing inclusive growth and climate-resilient infrastructure, Zimbabwe aims to set a benchmark for how African nations can balance rapid development with environmental stewardship, ensuring the “Smoke That Thunders” remains a beacon for generations to come.