Online Reporter
Harare Bureau
THE Zimbabwe delegation participating in the 68th UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa meeting held in Nigeria, has secured several prestigious positions that reflect the country’s growing prominence in African tourism.
The 68th UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa meeting has been running from Wednesday and ends today in Nigeria.
Led by Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi, the Zimbabwe delegation made strides, with the country being elected Vice President of the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly, scheduled for Riyadh in November 2025, alongside Nigeria.
In addition, the nation clinched a seat on the UN Tourism Executive Council for the term 2025–2029, receiving the highest number of votes among nine competing countries.
This recognition underscores Zimbabwe’s leadership in tourism, as affirmed by fellow African nations.
The successful voting results placed Zimbabwe at the forefront, followed by Kenya, Seychelles, Zambia, Angola, Morocco, South Africa, Mozambique and Tunisia.
In a further triumph, Zimbabwe will host the 3rd UN Tourism Women in Tourism Regional Congress next year.
This accolade highlights the impactful initiatives led by the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.
In an interview, Minister Rwodzi said the First Lady’s programmes, including gastronomy tourism, women’s market galore, farm to market, Agri4She, and AgroTourism4She, play a crucial role in promoting inclusivity and empowering women in the tourism sector.
The rebound of Zimbabwe’s local tourism sector post-Covid-19, has set the stage for these achievements.
As travel restrictions eased, domestic tourism flourished, with locals rediscovering the country’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
The revival has not only boosted visitor numbers but also contributed to job creation and economic growth, creating a solid foundation for future developments.
Looking ahead, the Government aims to enhance the tourism sector through its National Development Strategy.
This comprehensive plan emphasises infrastructure development, investment in tourism facilities, and the promotion of sustainable practices.
Key initiatives include improving accessibility to tourist destinations, encouraging public-private partnerships, and leveraging technology to enrich visitor experiences.
These ambitious efforts aim to position Zimbabwe as a premier tourist destination, showcasing its unique offerings while ensuring a resilient and sustainable tourism industry.
As Zimbabwe continues to grow in global tourism, its commitment to innovation and inclusivity will be pivotal in shaping the sector’s future.
