Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE has taken centre stage in global tourism governance after hosting the world first unveiling of the official logo for the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027, held in Victoria Falls yesterday.
The logo was unveiled by United Nations Tourism Secretary General Ms Shaikha Al Nuwais during the ongoing 23rd UN Tourism Meeting of the Committee on Tourism and Sustainability (CTS), convened under the patronage of the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.
The two-day meeting has attracted high level delegations from across the world, highlighting Zimbabwe’s growing role in shaping international tourism policy at a critical moment for the sector.
The CTS is the United Nations’ leading body mandated to drive the integration of sustainability and resilience into tourism policy frameworks globally.
This year’s meeting carries added weight as it serves as the principal platform for finalising the roadmap, governance arrangements and implementation mechanisms for the 2027 International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism, which was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2024.
The newly unveiled emblem — a dandelion rooted firmly in place yet capable of dispersing ideas and partnerships far beyond its base — will be adopted by the United Nations General Assembly as the official symbol of the International Year.
The unveiling signals a unified global approach, with tourism programmes and initiatives worldwide expected to align under the twin pillars of sustainability and resilience in the lead up to 2027 — a milestone Zimbabwe is hosting with growing international recognition.
The 23rd CTS meeting has featured an extensive programme reflecting Zimbabwe’s involvement in advancing global tourism priorities.
Discussions have focused on steering arrangements for the International Year, the creation of National Committees to co-ordinate implementation in Member States, innovative partnership and sponsorship models, capacity building initiatives and the planning of flagship global events in 2027.
A dedicated session on regenerative tourism has also been included, offering policy perspectives that move beyond sustainability towards the active restoration of ecosystems and the empowerment of local communities.
Speaking after the opening ceremony, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Barbara Rwodzi said the event underscored international confidence in Zimbabwe’s development trajectory.
“It’s actually a great way of marketing our destination and a great way of busting sanctions. Just to know that United Nations Tourism is back again in the country, a sign that shows that Zimbabwe is moving forward with the sustainable development goals that the United Nations has asked all countries to follow.
“It shows that our President and his policies are working towards what UN Tourism wants to achieve. So, we are excited. In 2024, the UN General Assembly marked that in 2027, it will be a year of celebrating sustainable and resilient tourism in the world, and today the logo has been unveiled in Zimbabwe in Victoria Falls for the first time to the whole world.
“We were the first people here in Zimbabwe to see this logo, a logo that shall be used by the UN General Assembly next year to mark resilience and sustainability in tourism. Such great thins show that the policies our President Mnangagwa has put in place demonstrate examples of prosperity and success,” Minister Rwodzi said.
UN Tourism Secretary General Ms Al Nuwais, who described her visit to Victoria Falls as deeply impactful, encouraged the global community to experience the destination.
“Make sure that you visit Victoria Falls if you have not, because it’s going to blow your mind away. I can’t think of a more fitting place, to be honest. Victoria Falls brings home the close relationship between tourism, nature and communities. Yesterday, I personally visited the Falls and it was so unreal. What a beautiful experience. I felt like nature’s way of dancing.”
Ms Al Nuwais also warned that while global tourism has rebounded, the sector remains vulnerable to geopolitical and environmental shocks.
“Global arrivals grew by four percent last year, reaching more than 1.5 billion. In many ways, tourism has returned to form. But the situation in the Middle East reminds us how exposed our sector remains. That is why I keep coming back to one word, resilience.
“Sustainability and resilience are two sides of the same coin. A sector built only on growth, without foundations to absorb shocks, is built on sand. Our job in 2026 is to prepare the ground so that 2027 becomes a year of implementation. At its centre, the logo’s dandelion carries ideas far and wide. Its colours echo the Sustainable Development Goals.”
