ZIMBABWE EMERGES AS A GLOBAL TOURISM TRAILBLAZER AT UN MINISTERS’ SUMMIT

The future of global tourism is being written, and Zimbabwe is emerging as a trailblazer on the international stage. Ahead of the grand opening of ITB Berlin 2026—marking the 60th anniversary of the world’s leading travel trade show—Ministers of Tourism from across the globe converged for the UN Tourism Ministers’ Summit.

Held under the theme “Empowering Emerging Destinations: From Potential to Performance,” the high-level summit was hosted by the newly appointed UN Tourism Secretary-General, Ms. Shaikha Al Nowais, the first woman to lead the organization in its 50-year history.

During the summit, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, delivered a powerful address highlighting Africa’s remarkable tourism surge. She noted that the continent welcomed 80 million international arrivals in 2025, generating a staggering US$55 billion in receipts.

Amidst this continental success, Minister Rwodzi proudly shared Zimbabwe’s own milestone: a 10% growth in tourist arrivals, reaching a record 1,777,569 visitors. This growth has been underpinned by a surge in destination confidence, strategic infrastructure upgrades—such as the modernization of the Robert Mugabe International Airport—and innovative, community-led initiatives like Gastronomy Tourism, which celebrates the nation’s rich culinary heritage.

Minister Rwodzi emphasized that the transition “from potential to performance” requires robust Regional Cooperation. She pointed to the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) as a prime example of how southern African nations can unite to preserve biodiversity while creating a multi-destination travel circuit. To sustain this momentum, she called for improved inter- and intra-regional connectivity, stressing that the ease of movement for travellers is a critical enabler of economic growth.

Looking toward the future, the Minister outlined the essential pillars for long-term success: innovation, skills development, clear policy frameworks, and deepened Government–stakeholder collaboration. With a bold vision for sustainable growth, Minister Rwodzi reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to Heritage-Based Tourism.

This approach focuses on empowering local communities and creating high-quality jobs, ensuring that tourism benefits are felt at the grassroots level. Through positioning emerging destinations at the forefront of the global travel agenda, Zimbabwe is effectively aligning its tourism sector with the national goals of Vision 2030, turning its vast natural and cultural potential into world-class performance.