Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, Zimpapers Business Hub
THE Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi, has been appointed one of the Vice-Presidents of the United Nations (UN) Tourism General Assembly, representing the Regional Commission for Africa alongside Nigeria.
Her appointment was confirmed on Sunday during the official opening of the high-level meeting of the 26th Session of the UN Tourism General Assembly in Saudi Arabia.
According to the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, this appointment offers Zimbabwe a strategic platform to champion Africa’s tourism agenda, advocate for sustainability, and influence key decisions shaping the future of 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,” said the ministry.
Prior to the official opening, Zimbabwe participated in the 21st Meeting of the UN Tourism Committee on Tourism and Sustainability (CTS).
The ministry noted that the meeting brought together CTS member states to deliberate on current thematic priorities and future programmes, all guided by a shared vision to accelerate the global sustainability agenda within the tourism sector.
During the session, Minister Rwodzi highlighted Zimbabwe’s policy and strategic interventions aimed at mainstreaming sustainability across the tourism value chain.
“She emphasised that these initiatives are firmly anchored on Vision 2030, led by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr ED 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 in an update.
Minister Rwodzi also showcased the Gastronomy Tourism Initiative, a transformative programme championed by the Patron of Tourism, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.
Gastronomy tourism refers to the exploration of food as a central purpose of travel. It reflects the culture, heritage, traditions and sense of community of different peoples, promoting cross-cultural understanding and bringing people and traditions closer together.
The benefits of gastronomy tourism include attracting visitors, enhancing the overall tourism experience, creating employment, boosting revenue for local businesses and fostering cultural exchange.
“The initiative celebrates Zimbabwe’s rich culinary heritage while empowering women, youth, persons with disabilities, and marginalised communities through tourism and community-based projects,” said the ministry.
Four pilot Community-Based Tourism (CBT) projects, implemented in partnership with the Japan International Co-operation Agency (Jica), have helped sustain livelihoods and empower local communities.
The Committee 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, which will be held back-to-back with the 2nd UN Tourism Women in Tourism Congress.
Hosting these two prestigious global events, the ministry noted, will reaffirm Zimbabwe’s commitment to sustainable, inclusive and resilient tourism development, while positioning the nation as a premier Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (Mice) destination.
