Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe Zimpapers Business Hub
Zimbabwe has reaffirmed its readiness to host another major international tourism event, as the country steps up its global re-engagement drive while showcasing its growing strength in gastronomy tourism.
Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Barbara Rwodzi is leading a delegation of at the 46th edition of FITUR in Madrid, Spain.
The presence is firmly positioning the country as a competitive global tourism destination.
Minister Rwodzi led a delegation of eight tourism operators, strategically engaging one of the world’s most influential tourism markets.
In an update, the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry said Zimbabwe is positioning itself at the centre of global discussions on sustainable and resilient tourism.
“Zimbabwe is proud of hosting the first ever organizing meeting for all the Member States in UN Tourism for the International Year of Sustainable and Resilience Tourism in 2027 to held in Zimbabwe.
” In this regard the Minister of Tourism andHospitalityIndustry Barbara Rwodzi signed the Letter of Intent with the newly appointed UNWTO Secretary-General Ms Shaikha Alnuwais, confirming Zimbabwe’s intention to host the 23rd Meeting of the UN Tourism Committee on Tourism and Sustainability (CTS) in Victoria Falls from 27–28 April 2026.,” the Ministry said in an update.
The ministry said the move marks a key step in the lead-up to a formal host agreement.
” This step precedes the formal Host Agreement and will see the CTS held back-to-back with the 3rd UN Tourism Women in Tourism Congress from 28–30 April 2026.
“The CTS meeting will serve as a strategic launch platform for global preparations towards the International Year of Resilient and Sustainable Tourism (IYRST) 2027, with its outcomes informing Zimbabwe’s contribution to the Agenda 2030 on the Sustainable Development Goals, as UN Tourism Member States will be expected to report on their National programmes and initiatives at the United Nations General Assembly through UN Tourism.”
Zimbabwe’s hosting of the high-level meeting is also expected to strengthen its leadership credentials in sustainable tourism development.
“The CTS meeting will position Zimbabwe as a leader in resilient and Sustainable Tourism by hosting a pilot Capacity-Building initiative for National Tourism Committees.
The UN Tourism Secretary-General also acknowledged Zimbabwe’s growing influence in niche tourism segments, the Ministry added
“The UN Tourism Secretary-General, Ms Shaikha Alnuwais, commended the Zimbabwe Patron of Tourism Her Excellency The First Lady of Republic of Zimbabwe Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, for promoting Gastronomy Tourism and applauded Minister Rwodzi following Zimbabwe’s recognition by Forbes Magazine as the 2025 Number One Must-Visit Destination in the World.”
Gastronomy Tourism in Zimbabwe continues to emerge as a powerful driver of destination competitiveness and cultural storytelling on the global stage, with the country increasingly leveraging its culinary heritage as part of its tourism value proposition.
At FITUR 2026 in Madrid, Spain, Zimbabwe’s tourism diplomacy gathered further momentum.
” At FITUR 2026, Zimbabwe’s impact was further amplified through high-level bilateral engagements, including a strategic meeting between the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Barbara Rwodzi and the Minister of Tourism Seychelles Hon Amanda Bernstein.”
“During the engagement, Hon Bernstein applauded Zimbabwe’s trailblazing Gastronomy-led Tourism initiative, championed by the Patron of Tourism and Hospitality Industry who is the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Her Excellency Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa and expressed strong interest in collaboration and benchmarking.”
Day Two of FITUR 2026 saw broader engagement with industry players.
“Day 2 at FITUR 2026 saw Minister Rwodzi joined by Ambassador Dr Sekai Nzenza Zimbabwe’s Envoy to France, Spain and Portugal and Permanent Delegate to UN Tourism, engaging with Tourism Operators exhibiting at the Zimbabwe Stand.
“The interaction highlighted Government’s strong support for the Tourism Sector participation at Global platforms, while reinforcing collaborative efforts to market Destination Zimbabwe, strengthen International partnerships, and position the country as a competitive and compelling Tourism destination on the Global stage.”
“A key highlight of the event saw Minister Rwodzi attending the UN Tourism “New Vision” High-Level Event, at the invitation of the Spanish Minister of Industry and Tourism Hon Jordi Hereu.”
” The presence of the newly appointed UNWTO Secretary-General, Ms Shaikha Al Nowais, further elevated the platform, where she outlined five strategic objectives shaping the future of Global Tourism: Responsible Tourism, Capacity Building, Technology for Good, Innovative Financing and Smart Governance.
” Zimbabwe’s active engagement at this high-level forum reinforces its alignment with Global Tourism priorities and its commitment to advancing a Sustainable, Inclusive and Innovation-driven Tourism sector,” the Ministry said.
Through these engagements, Zimbabwe is not only preparing to host another major international tourism event, but also consolidating its standing as a leader in sustainable, resilient and gastronomy-driven tourism.
