Sidumisile Mabena
Nqobile Bhebhe
KHAMI RUINS and Great Zimbabwe both marking 40 years as World Heritage Sites took centre stage at ITB Berlin 2026 when Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi held heritage-focused discussions with
UNESCO Director Peter Warren, showcasing Zimbabwe’s rich cultural legacy.
Leading a high-level Zimbabwean delegation, Minister Rwodzi engaged global tourism leaders in strategic conversations designed to boost the country’s international tourism profile.
ITB Berlin, one of the world’s largest tourism trade fairs, unites operators, media, and policymakers, offering Zimbabwe a prime platform to showcase its diverse tourism offerings, historic sites, and emerging regional travel corridors.
The event runs from 3 to 5 March under the theme “Leading Tourism into Balance.”
In an official update, the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry said:
“A heritage-centred discussion with UNESCO Director Peter Warren spotlighted Great Zimbabwe and Khami Ruins as they mark 40 years as World Heritage Sites, further strengthening Zimbabwe’s global Cultural and Heritage Tourism positioning.”
Minister Rwodzi’s engagements included strategic marketing talks with CNN International Commercial to enhance Zimbabwe’s international visibility, alongside discussions targeting the Benelux market. Updates from Africa
Magazine advanced plans for a dedicated German-language publication to deepen penetration across German-speaking countries.
Another key meeting was held with Mr Rohan Vos, owner of Rovos Rail, whose luxury trains transport tourists from South Africa to Victoria Falls. Discussions focused on expanding regional tourism corridors.
“Discussions centred on exciting new routes including South Africa–Beitbridge–Great Zimbabwe–Malawi/Mozambique, as well as a significant emerging corridor linking South Africa, Victoria Falls, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” Minister Rwodzi said.
On visa facilitation, the Minister assured Mr Vos and his team that Zimbabwe is exploring measures to improve seamless travel:
“Immigration matters pertaining Visa facilitation were also discussed with Minister Rwodzi assuring Mr Rovos and his team that the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
International Trade, working with the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, are currently assessing a number of countries for possible removal from Zimbabwe’s Visa requirements to enhance seamless travel and destination competitiveness.”
Further strategic discussions with Amadeus for Destinations focused on harnessing data-driven insights to strengthen tourism growth, the Ministry added. The engagements were aimed at enhancing targeted marketing and improving visitor experiences in key international markets.
Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Germany, Her Excellency Alice Mashingaidze, and the CEO of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Dr George Manyaya joined the delegation, reinforcing the government’s commitment to positioning Zimbabwe as a premier cultural and heritage tourism destination.
Online Reporter