Zimbabwe’s Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi, has been appointed one of the Vice Presidents of the United Nations Tourism General Assembly, representing the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa. The appointment was confirmed on Sunday during the official opening of the high-level meeting of the 26th Session of the United Nations Tourism General Assembly in Saudi Arabia.
According to the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, the appointment alongside Nigeria, offers Zimbabwe a crucial diplomatic platform to advance Africa’s tourism agenda, promote sustainability, and influence key decisions shaping global tourism policy.
“This appointment places Zimbabwe at the heart of global tourism diplomacy and enhances our capacity to promote the African tourism narrative on the world stage,” the ministry said in a statement.
The development marks a major milestone for Zimbabwe, reinforcing its leadership in regional tourism development under the Second Republic. It also aligns with the country’s broader diplomatic and economic re-engagement strategy, which seeks to position Zimbabwe as a competitive and sustainable tourism destination.
Ahead of the official opening, Zimbabwe actively participated in the 21st Meeting of the UN Tourism Committee on Tourism and Sustainability (CTS). The meeting brought together member states to deliberate on thematic priorities and strategic programmes designed to accelerate global sustainability efforts within the tourism sector.
During the session, Minister Rwodzi highlighted Zimbabwe’s strategic interventions aimed at integrating sustainability into every stage of the tourism value chain.
“These initiatives are firmly anchored on Vision 2030, led by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr E.D. Mnangagwa, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy through sustainable growth, environmental stewardship, and inclusive participation in national development,” the ministry said.
Minister Rwodzi also showcased Zimbabwe’s Gastronomy Tourism Initiative, a transformative programme championed by the Patron of Tourism, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa. Gastronomy tourism promotes the exploration of food as a central element of travel, celebrating culture, heritage, and community identity while fostering intercultural understanding.
The initiative not only highlights Zimbabwe’s rich culinary heritage but also empowers women, youth, persons with disabilities, and marginalised communities through community-based tourism projects. Four pilot Community-Based Tourism (CBT) projects, implemented in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), have already demonstrated tangible benefits in sustaining livelihoods and boosting local economies.
The Committee on Tourism and Sustainability commended Zimbabwe’s ongoing efforts and welcomed the country’s offer to host the 23rd Session of the Committee on Tourism and Sustainability (CTS) in April 2026, alongside the 2nd UN Tourism Women in Tourism Congress.
Hosting these two prestigious global events will reaffirm Zimbabwe’s commitment to sustainable, inclusive, and resilient tourism development, while positioning the country as a leading Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) destination.
Minister Rwodzi’s appointment thus marks a defining moment in Zimbabwe’s tourism diplomacy, one that enhances the country’s global visibility, strengthens regional collaboration, and propels the nation closer to achieving its Vision 2030 goals.
She has always represented us well!!!
VP