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Zimbabwe elected for global tourism position
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Zimbabwe has been elected Vice-President of the 26th United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly, set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this November.
The country will serve alongside Nigeria in the vice-presidency, further strengthening its growing influence in global tourism leadership.
The announcement was made during the 68th UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa meeting, currently underway in Abuja, Nigeria. The conference, which concludes today, brings together African tourism ministers and stakeholders to shape the continent's tourism agenda.
In another major milestone, Zimbabwe was also elected to the UNWTO Executive Council for the 2025–2029 term, securing the highest number of votes among the nine African countries vying for a seat. Other successful candidates included Kenya, Seychelles, Zambia, Angola, Morocco, South Africa, Mozambique, and Tunisia.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi hailed the dual victories as a triumph not only for Zimbabwe but for the entire southern African region.
"These victories are not just for Zimbabwe, they are for the entire southern African region," she said. "They show confidence in our leadership, our innovation and our inclusive approach to tourism development."
Zimbabwe's elevation to leadership roles within UNWTO comes amid growing international recognition of the country's tourism revival strategy, which emphasizes sustainability, community empowerment, and regional collaboration.
UNWTO Africa Director Elcia Grandcourt praised Zimbabwe's appointment, describing it as a reflection of the country's determined efforts to reposition itself as a key player in global tourism.
"Zimbabwe's selection is in recognition of the country's efforts to position itself as a key player in global tourism," said Grandcourt.
As part of its expanded role in global tourism governance, Zimbabwe is also set to host the 3rd UNWTO Women in Tourism Regional Congress in 2026. The event is expected to bring together female leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers from across the continent to promote gender equality and inclusivity in the tourism sector.
The country's new positions within the UNWTO structure are expected to attract increased international attention and investment into its tourism sector, which is rebounding following years of decline.
With natural attractions such as Victoria Falls, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and rich cultural heritage, Zimbabwe is now poised to leverage its leadership status to boost visitor numbers, build partnerships, and shape the future of tourism across Africa and beyond.
The country will serve alongside Nigeria in the vice-presidency, further strengthening its growing influence in global tourism leadership.
The announcement was made during the 68th UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa meeting, currently underway in Abuja, Nigeria. The conference, which concludes today, brings together African tourism ministers and stakeholders to shape the continent's tourism agenda.
In another major milestone, Zimbabwe was also elected to the UNWTO Executive Council for the 2025–2029 term, securing the highest number of votes among the nine African countries vying for a seat. Other successful candidates included Kenya, Seychelles, Zambia, Angola, Morocco, South Africa, Mozambique, and Tunisia.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi hailed the dual victories as a triumph not only for Zimbabwe but for the entire southern African region.
"These victories are not just for Zimbabwe, they are for the entire southern African region," she said. "They show confidence in our leadership, our innovation and our inclusive approach to tourism development."
Zimbabwe's elevation to leadership roles within UNWTO comes amid growing international recognition of the country's tourism revival strategy, which emphasizes sustainability, community empowerment, and regional collaboration.
UNWTO Africa Director Elcia Grandcourt praised Zimbabwe's appointment, describing it as a reflection of the country's determined efforts to reposition itself as a key player in global tourism.
"Zimbabwe's selection is in recognition of the country's efforts to position itself as a key player in global tourism," said Grandcourt.
As part of its expanded role in global tourism governance, Zimbabwe is also set to host the 3rd UNWTO Women in Tourism Regional Congress in 2026. The event is expected to bring together female leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers from across the continent to promote gender equality and inclusivity in the tourism sector.
The country's new positions within the UNWTO structure are expected to attract increased international attention and investment into its tourism sector, which is rebounding following years of decline.
With natural attractions such as Victoria Falls, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and rich cultural heritage, Zimbabwe is now poised to leverage its leadership status to boost visitor numbers, build partnerships, and shape the future of tourism across Africa and beyond.
Source - NewsDay
