Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]
Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi has described Sports Tourism as a powerful tool for soft diplomacy, saying Zimbabwe continues to raise its flag high through golf while showcasing the country’s rich culture, gastronomy, hospitality and tourism endowments to the world.
She made the remarks during the launch of the 2026 International Pairs Golf Tournament held at the Sterling Hub in Harare under the theme, “Experience Zimbabwe, One Fairway at a Time.”
The launch follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in 2024 between the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, through the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) and Albatros Golf during the Sterling Hotel International Pairs Golf Tournament to promote Sports Tourism in Zimbabwe.
Speaking at the event, Minister Rwodzi said Sports Tourism had become a critical component of the Tourism Cluster, contributing significantly to economic growth and national development.
“Sports Tourism is a powerful tool for Soft Diplomacy and through golf Zimbabwe continues to carry its flag high while showcasing its rich Culture, Gastronomy, Hospitality and Tourism endowments to the world,” Zimbabwe Tourism Authority said in a statement.
The Minister said the growth of Sports Tourism was in line with Government’s drive towards achieving Vision 2030 under President Mnangagwa’s leadership.
“The event highlighted the rapid growth of Sports Tourism as a key Economic sector driving clustered Tourism growth and contributing towards His Excellency The President Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 of an upper middle-income status and Heritage-Based Economy,” added ZTA.
Minister Rwodzi applauded the partnership between Government and private players for embracing a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society Approach in advancing Tourism through Sport.
“She applauded the partnership for embracing a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society Approach in advancing Tourism through Sport, while encouraging organizers to bid for future editions of the Tournament to be hosted in Zimbabwe so that International Tourists can come and witness the country’s unique attractions and experiences firsthand.”
The Minister noted that hosting international sporting events creates opportunities for increased tourist arrivals, destination marketing and investment promotion, while positioning Zimbabwe as a competitive tourism destination on the global stage.
The 2026 International Pairs Golf Tournament is expected to attract increased participation and further strengthen Zimbabwe’s profile in the global Sports Tourism market.
National finals for the tournament are scheduled for August 22, 2026, in Harare, with the winning pair set to represent Zimbabwe in Spain.
The representatives will carry Zimbabwe’s culture, heritage and national identity onto the international stage through Sports Tourism, further reinforcing the country’s commitment to using sport as a vehicle for tourism promotion and international engagement.
