Online Reporter
Zimpapers Correspondent
ZIMBABWE has reaffirmed its rising status as a leading global tourism destination after securing two major international accolades at the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (Patwa) Awards, held on the sidelines of ITB Berlin 2026 in Germany.
The country was honoured with the Destination of the Year – Natural Wonders award, while Tourism and Hospitality Minister Barbara Rwodzi was named Tourism Minister of the Year — Africa.
The recognition comes as Zimbabwe accelerates its tourism growth under President Mnangagwa’s administration, which has identified the sector as a critical pillar in achieving Vision 2030 and transforming the nation into an upper middle income economy.
Zimbabwe received praise for its exceptional natural attractions, conservation efforts and authentic visitor experiences. Anchored by the majestic Victoria Falls — the world’s largest curtain of falling water, stretching 1 708 metres wide and plunging 108 metres into the Zambezi Gorge — the country continues to attract travellers seeking unspoilt natural beauty.
Nearly 30 percent of Zimbabwe’s land area is protected wilderness, offering pristine ecosystems and world class safari experiences.
Among its prime attractions are Hwange National Park, known for its elephant herds and Big Five sightings; Mana Pools National Park, famed for walking and canoe safaris; Gonarezhou National Park, distinguished by its dramatic red cliffs and large elephant numbers; the culturally rich Matobo Hills, celebrated for their balancing granite formations; and the mist laden Eastern Highlands.
Complementing its natural wonders are the ancient stone structures of Great Zimbabwe, a Unesco World Heritage Site and a symbol of the nation’s early civilisation. Zimbabwe’s professional safari guiding standards, regarded among the toughest in Africa, also enhance the visitor experience through expert interpretation and safety.
The accolade further strengthens Zimbabwe’s positioning as “A World of Natural Wonders” — unique, uncrowded, authentic and safe.
Minister Rwodzi was honoured for her leadership and innovation within the tourism sector. With strong support from the Patron of Tourism, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, she oversaw Zimbabwe’s successful hosting of the inaugural UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa in Victoria Falls. The event, the first of its kind on the continent, attracted delegates from 33 countries, including ministers, UN agencies and global tourism experts, positioning Zimbabwe as a pioneer in gastronomy tourism.
The initiative has since inspired nationwide gastronomy competitions involving women, youth and persons with disabilities, driving community based economic activity, poverty alleviation and enterprise growth.
Minister Rwodzi also introduced a 12 cluster tourism diversification model aligned with Vision 2030, broadening the sector beyond wildlife to encompass gastronomy, medical, cultural, sports and adventure tourism. The model has improved market segmentation, unlocked investment opportunities and strengthened Zimbabwe’s competitive advantage in the region.
Zimbabwe’s participation at high level platforms such as UN Tourism meetings and ITB Berlin has enhanced its global visibility. These efforts complement the Second Republic’s re- engagement policy led by President Mnangagwa, which has helped restore investor confidence and expand the country’s tourism footprint.
Minister Rwodzi has also championed heritage preservation, cultural promotion and the expansion of local festivals. As part of devolution, she decentralised the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, taking it to Mutare and other provinces to ensure communities nationwide benefit from tourism growth.
She is attending ITB Berlin alongside Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Germany, Mrs Alice Mashingaidze, and Zimbabwe Tourism Authority CEO Dr George Manyaya, signalling a coordinated diplomatic and marketing drive to strengthen Zimbabwe’s presence in the European market.
The awards reinforce the tourism development strategy driven by President Mnangagwa, which prioritises infrastructure development, improved air connectivity, ease of doing business reforms, investment facilitation and national stability — all vital to positioning Zimbabwe as a competitive African destination.
The accolades follow Zimbabwe’s recent listing by Forbes as one of the world’s must visit destinations, further boosting its global appeal.
The double recognition at ITB Berlin 2026 signals more than celebration; it confirms Zimbabwe’s steady emergence as a world class tourism destination built on sustainability, inclusivity and visionary leadership.
