Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve in Victoria Falls
A NINE-member United Nations delegation has expressed profound awe and excitement over Zimbabwe’s breathtaking beauty and the warm hospitality of its people, describing the country as a beacon of peace in a major shot in the arm for the country.
Under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, the Second Republic has scored major milestones in transforming the economy including rejuvenating the tourism sector, one of the economic anchors.
The high-powered delegation arrived here yesterday morning on a familiarisation tour hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry.
After visits to the Great Zimbabwe Monument and various sites in Harare, the delegation immediately headed to the Rain Forest to witness the majestic Falls before embarking on a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River.
The tour comes as Zimbabwe is actively campaigning for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027-2028 term, seeking to enhance its global influence and represent African interests.
The bid is strongly endorsed by SADC, the African Union, and nations including Russia and Cuba, with a focus on multilateralism and peace. President Mnangagwa has spearheaded the growth of the tourism industry through targeted infrastructure development under the “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” mantra, anchored on proactive policies that have revitalised the sector, thereby positioning the country as a premier global destination.
Leading the accolades, Ambassador Odo Tevi, Permanent Representative of Vanuatu to the UN, described the Victoria Falls as a spiritual experience.
“The Victoria Falls experience is hard to describe.
“It’s magnificent, you can feel it, there’s a spirit in here, and it’s something that I was in awe of, our nature and the river,” he said.
“I have never seen something like this in my life. We have rivers in my country, but this is something extraordinary.
“I would say that the culture of Zimbabwe, I can see some similarities. Zimbabwe offers a lot to the world. It’s vast, it’s huge potential, the people are also nice, they are gracious, they look after you well,” said Ambassador Tevi.
His Excellency, Ambassador Dr Neil Parsan, Permanent Representative of Trinidad and Tobago to the UN praised Zimbabwe as an example of peace and environmental stewardship.
“Zimbabwe is gifted and blessed with the opportunity to own Victoria Falls. We see a very clear path, a planned, well-structured, thoughtful way forward in dealing with sustainable development,” he said.
“Zimbabwe, in addition to being a good example of peace, could be a good steward of climate change and the environment.”
Corina Moroi, a senior Moldovan diplomat to the UN, said the hospitality of Zimbabweans was her most valued takeaway.
“My biggest takeaway. I learnt here that they are also called Mosi-oa-Tunya.
“One of the takeaways that I will go home and tell people is the hospitality of the Zimbabwean people. The beauty of the people, the beauty of the nature, the beauty of your food, that is what I will be taking home,” Moroi said.
Ambassador Tawonga Mushayavanhu, Zimbabwe’s Permanent Representative in New York, said the familiarisation tour would change perceptions.
“The whole purpose is for my colleagues to get a feel of Zimbabwe. When you come here, you always go back changed.
“You realise that the Zimbabwe that you read about is not really the Zimbabwe that you experience. Zimbabwe is a peaceful country, and aspires to spread the word of peace to the world.”
Year 2025 marked a huge milestone for Zimbabwe’s tourism sector with the country voted the best tourism destination in the world by renowned magazine – Forbes.
To add a feather to its cap, Zimbabwe scooped two prestigious accolades at the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association Awards held on the sidelines of the recent ITB Berlin 2026 in March.
The country won Destination of the Year – Natural Wonders and Tourism Minister of the Year – Africa, awarded to the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi.
To put the icing on the cake, Minister Rwodzi, was recently adjudged the best Cabinet Minister of 2025 during the performance contracts signing and awards ceremony officiated by President Mnangagwa.
