Online Reporter
Harare Bureau
ZIMBABWE is set to host three high‑level United Nations tourism meetings from 27 April to May 1, in a development that underscores growing international confidence in the country’s political and diplomatic standing within global tourism governance.
The gatherings will feature the 23rd United Nations Tourism Committee on Tourism and Sustainability, a Pilot Capacity‑Building Workshop linked to the Committee on Tourism and Sustainability in preparation for the International Year of Resilient and Sustainable Tourism 2027, and the 2nd United Nations Tourism Regional Congress on Women’s Empowerment in Tourism in Africa.
The tourism sector has expanded rapidly under President Mnangagwa’s administration, supported by policies that have repositioned Zimbabwe as a leading global destination and a key pillar of the economy, attracting both domestic and foreign investment.
Over the past five years, tourism has grown significantly, with Zimbabwe being named the world’s best destination to visit in 2025 by Forbes magazine.
The sector recorded over 1,6 million international arrivals in 2024, generating US$1,2 billion in receipts and US$190,5 million in investments, according to a Government report issued in September.
These figures are expected to rise further this year.
Minister Soda said hosting the UN meetings marked a strategic milestone as Zimbabwe prepares for the International Year of Resilient and Sustainable Tourism in 2027, a recognition that strengthens the country’s diplomatic and governance profile.
“Cabinet also received and approved a Report on the hosting of the forthcoming United Nations tourism high-level meetings in Zimbabwe as presented by the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry.
Cabinet advises that Zimbabwe will host major United Nations Tourism events scheduled to run back-to-back at the Elephant Hills Resort in Victoria Falls from April 27 to May 1, 2026.
“The mega events will position the country as a top leader in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (Mice Tourism) while the participation of global tourism leaders, policymakers, development partners, sustainability experts and academia will reinforce Zimbabwe’s commitment to sustainable and resilient tourism development practices through alignment with the United Nations Agenda on Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063,” he said.
Responding to a question from Zimpapers, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi said Zimbabwe was fully prepared to host the high level events.
“We are more than prepared, as you know, that we have been, probably for the past three or four years, hosting these big events in the country, particularly in Victoria Falls and Harare. Simply because Victoria Falls has become a brand for Africa in hosting Mice tourism . . . it’s a strategy that we are deliberately bidding for these events to come to our country so that we address the softer issues, diplomatic issues, through tourism,” she said.
Hosting the UN events, Minister Rwodzi added, reflected the international community’s confidence in Zimbabwe.
“Let me say, the coming in of United Nations Tourism to Zimbabwe just to accept the bid for Zimbabwe to host these three events is an endorsement of not just our country but also Zimbabwe as a destination.
“We know very well that our country is still under sanctions, by the way (but) other people think we are no longer under sanctions because of high activities, economical activities and social activities that are happening in our country through tourism and other disciplines of the Government.
“So, just for United Nations to choose Zimbabwe to host these very important three events is a huge endorsement politically and also diplomatically,” she said.
Bongani Ndlovu