Online Reporter
The United Nations (UN) 2027 Sustainable and Resilient Tourism logo was unveiled in Victoria Falls on Monday. This is yet another endorsement of Zimbabwe as a tourist destination of choice.
The United Nations Tourism Secretary General Ms Shaikha Al Nuwais unveiled the logo during the 23rd UN Tourism Meeting of the Committee on Tourism and Sustainability (CTS), which ended in the resort city yesterday.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi said the unveiling of the UN Tourism logo in Victoria Falls underscored international confidence in Zimbabwe as a tourist destination of choice.
President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe was committed to working closely with the UN Tourism to position the country as a leading global travel destination. He said the collaboration with UN Tourism will help to showcase Zimbabwe’s natural beauty, rich endowments and renowned hospitality to the world.
Zimbabwe continues to host high profile international conferences and sports tournaments as it consolidates its position as a member of the comity of nations. The country is now a leader in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (Mice) hence it does not hesitate to bid to host international conferences.
In 2024, Zimbabwe hosted the UN’s inaugural Regional Forum on Gastronomy for Africa. The conference attracted more than 10 000 delegates from across the globe and was the first gastronomy conference to be held on the African continent.
Zimbabwe has played host to international sports tournaments such as the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier B and Women Cricket World Cup Qualifier. The hosting of these world conferences and sports tournaments are providing Zimbabwe an opportunity to showcase its rich and diverse cultural heritage hospitality.
The delegates to these conferences and athletes participating in the sports tournaments are assisting to market Zimbabwe as a tourist destination of choice hence the need for citizens to show and demonstrate Zimbabwe’s hospitality when interacting with such visitors.
The delegates or sportspersons should speak about Zimbabwe’s beauty and the hospitality of its people when they return to their respective countries.
The challenge to the tourism industry is to ensure we have repeat visits of such international tourists and this is only possible if the visitors enjoy our services and facilities.
It is, therefore, incumbent upon each and every tourism player to strive to provide the best services and facilities. The tourism sector has witnessed significant growth during the past five years, which is largely attributed to the country’s engagement and re-engagement policy guided by its philosophy of being a friend to all and enemy to none.
Let us, therefore, maintain the momentum as we work to grow our tourism industry so that Zimbabwe becomes a leading global travel destination.
