Zimbabwe ready to host UN Tourism high-level events, as delegation hails First Lady’s tourism patronage

ZIMBABWE is fully prepared to host two major UN Tourism high-level events set for this month, with a visiting delegation from the organisation’s Madrid headquarters expressing satisfaction with the country’s state of readiness.

The events include the 23rd UN Tourism Committee on Tourism and Sustainability (CTS) Meeting and the Second UN Tourism Regional Congress on Women Empowerment in Tourism in Africa and will be held in Victoria Falls from 27 April to 1 May 2026.

This was revealed during a press conference on Thursday in Victoria Falls, following a Preliminary Assessment Mission by UN Tourism officials who have been in the country from 1 to 3 April 2026 to evaluate preparedness.

The mission was led by UN Tourism Regional Director for Africa, Ms Elcia Grandcourt, accompanied by Senior Project Specialist Ms Rachel Monnier.

Speaking at the press conference, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Dr Takaruza Munyanyiwa, said the assessment mission had been both productive and encouraging.

“On behalf of the Ministry, I am pleased to report that, throughout the Preliminary Mission, the visiting delegation expressed satisfaction with our level of preparedness. Their positive assessment is a testament to the hard work, coordination and commitment demonstrated by our teams across Government and the private sector

“Whilst we are encouraged by this positive feedback, we remain committed to further strengthening our preparations in the lead-up to 27 April 2026. Our goal is not only to meet expectations but to exceed them, showcasing Zimbabwe as a premier destination for tourism events in the region,” Dr Munyanyiwa said.

Dr Munyanyiwa said the Ministry has been working closely with UN Tourism under the guidance of the Tourism Patron, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, employing a Whole of Government Approach with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies. The CTS Meeting, scheduled for 27 to 28 April, is a subsidiary technical body of the UN Tourism Executive Council established to guide, advise and support Member States in advancing sustainability in the tourism sector.

It marks a key milestone toward the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027.

Zimbabwe won the bid to host the Second UN Tourism Regional Congress on Women Empowerment in Tourism in Africa during the 65th UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa held in Nigeria in June 2025.

The Congress, to be held from 29 April to 1 May under the theme “Advancing from Empowerment to Leadership: Driving Structural Change in the Tourism Sector in Africa,” is being held in honour of the First Lady’s transformative programmes including gastronomy tourism, women’s market galore, farm to market and the agri4She concept.

A Masterclass to capacitate women in the tourism value chain will also be held on the sidelines, focusing on financial literacy, negotiation skills and elevating women-led businesses.

Ms Grandcourt confirmed the delegation’s satisfaction with Zimbabwe’s preparations, saying all facilities meet top international standards and sustainability benchmarks.

“The preparatory mission confirmed full operational readiness, including venues and accommodation. All facilities meet top international standards and sustainability benchmarks, positioning Zimbabwe as an outstanding example of a top-tier eco-friendly tourism destination in Africa and beyond,” she said.

The Congress is expected to attract strong international participation across Government, private sector, development partners, academia and civil society.

It will also launch the first Intra-Africa Mentorship Programme (2026), connecting emerging and established women leaders across the continent.

“Zimbabwe stands ready to welcome both our regional and international delegates in three weeks’ time,” Dr Munyanyiwa said.