ZIMBABWE TO HOST 3RD UN TOURISM WOMEN IN TOURISM REGIONAL CONGRESS

Zimbabwe’s star continues to rise on the global tourism stage as the country has been selected to host the 3rd UN Tourism Women in Tourism Regional Congress in 2026.

The announcement was made during the 68th UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa Meeting held in Nigeria, where Zimbabwe’s exceptional contributions to tourism were once again recognised on the continental stage.

Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi, is leading the Zimbabwean delegation in Nigeria.

In a statement on Thursday, the prestigious hosting rights are a direct acknowledgment of the visionary work of the Patron of Tourism, the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, whose innovative initiatives have transformed the tourism landscape in Zimbabwe and empowered countless women.

Programmes such as Gastronomy Tourism, Women’s Market Galore, Farm to Market, Agri4She and AgroTourism4She have not only uplifted communities but positioned Zimbabwe as a leader in inclusive and sustainable tourism.

“In a further triumph, Zimbabwe will proudly host the 3rd UN Tourism Women in Tourism Regional Congress in 2026, in recognition of the resounding work of the Patron of Tourism, The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, through initiatives such as Gastronomy Tourism, Women’s Market Galore, Farm to Market, Agri4She and AgroTourism4She.

“These remarkable achievements reflect Zimbabwe’s growing influence in shaping global tourism, driven by innovation, inclusivity and a dynamic growth trajectory,” reads part of the notice.

Last year, Zimbabwe hosted the inaugural Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Forum for Africa in July in Victoria Falls, making the destination a leader in gastronomy.

It was recognition of the work being done by the First Lady, Dr Auxilia Mnangagwa, who has been promoting the concept of gastronomy tourism from the grassroots.

Zimbabwe was chosen to host the forum in the wake of an exceptional exhibition of the country’s culture and cuisine by a Zimbabwean delegation at a similar forum held in Spain in 2023.

Adding to the significant milestone, Zimbabwe also scored big at the Nigerian same meeting by securing several high-level positions within the UN Tourism structures.

The country was elected Vice President of the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly set to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in November 2025, in partnership with Nigeria.

Further cementing its leadership in African tourism, Zimbabwe also earned a seat on the UN Tourism Executive Council for the term 2025–2029, after receiving the highest number of votes among nine contesting nations.

“Zimbabwe was elected Vice President of the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly (Riyadh November 2025) alongside Nigeria and also won a seat on the UN Tourism Executive Council (2025–2029), receiving the highest number of votes out of the 9 countries that contested, a huge milestone and recognition for Zimbabwe’s leadership in Tourism by other African countries.

“Zimbabwe received the highest votes, followed by Kenya, Seychelles, Zambia, Angola, Morocco, South Africa, Mozambique and Tunisia.”

With the spotlight now on the upcoming 2026 Women in Tourism Congress, preparations are expected to showcase the best of Zimbabwean hospitality, culture, innovation, and empowerment.

The event is poised to draw global delegates, investors and thought leaders, further boosting Zimbabwe’s tourism sector and creating lasting opportunities for women across the country.

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