ZIMBABWE TO HOST TWO HIGH-LEVEL UN CONFERENCES IN 2026

Zimbabwe has secured a major global tourism milestone ahead of the International Tourism Bourse (ITB) Berlin 2026 in Germany. The country has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UN Tourism, confirming Zimbabwe as the host of two prestigious high-level conferences scheduled for April 2026. This agreement positions the “City of Kings and Queens” and the broader nation firmly at the centre of the global tourism dialogue.

Representing the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Germany, Her Excellency Mrs. Alice Mashingaidze, formalized the agreement with the UN Tourism Secretary-General, Ms. Shaikha Al Nowais. The signing ceremony, held in Berlin, underscores the international community’s growing confidence in Zimbabwe’s capacity to lead discussions on sustainable development and inclusive growth within the sector.

The first of these landmark gatherings is the 23rd United Nations Tourism Committee on Tourism and Sustainability, set to take place from 27–28 April 2026. Hosted under the theme “Planning, Managing and Promoting Nature-Based Tourism,” the committee will delve into the critical balance between conservation and commercialization. As home to the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) and iconic natural wonders like Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe provides the perfect laboratory for experts to discuss biodiversity protection and climate-resilient tourism products.

Following this, the country will host the 2nd United Nations Tourism Regional Congress on Women Empowerment in Tourism in Africa from 29 April–1 May 2026. This congress is a vital enabler for social equity, focusing on tourism financing, leadership training, and the integration of women-led businesses into the global tourism value chain. Minister Rwodzi has frequently championed women as the backbone of the hospitality industry, and this congress will provide a strategic platform to turn that potential into measurable performance.

These conferences are expected to draw hundreds of delegates, including tourism ministers, environmentalists, and global financiers. Beyond the immediate economic injection from “MICE” (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism, these events will spotlight Destination Zimbabwe’s diverse assets. When Zimbabwe showcases its heritage-based tourism model and strategic infrastructure upgrades to a global audience, it accelerates its journey toward becoming a premier international destination in line with Vision 2030.