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Zimbabwe steps up preparations for International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027
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HARARE - Zimbabwe has intensified preparations for the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism (IYSRT) 2027 following the launch of a 26-member National Committee tasked with coordinating the country's National Programme of Flagship Activities.
Speaking at the launch, Barbara Rwodzi, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, said the initiative is aligned with Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and the Tourism and Hospitality Industry Policy 2025-2030, all anchored on the Heritage-Based Economic Transformation Agenda.
The committee comprises representatives from Government ministries, departments and agencies, academia, women and youth in tourism, persons with disabilities, and the private sector. Its mandate is to promote responsible investment, innovation, climate resilience and inclusive development throughout the tourism value chain.
Zimbabwe's preparations build on the country's hosting of the 23rd UN Tourism Committee on Tourism and Sustainability meeting in Victoria Falls in April 2026, where UN Tourism unveiled the IYSRT 2027 global logo.
Minister Rwodzi said the International Year should deliver measurable benefits beyond ceremonial events, including stronger tourism enterprises, enhanced environmental conservation, expanded green infrastructure, improved destination resilience and increased community participation.
She urged stakeholders to adopt innovative waste-management solutions, including converting organic waste into compost and exploring waste-to-energy opportunities, while highlighting the need to create economic opportunities for women and young people through agriculture, hospitality and tourism-related businesses.
The initiative also complements agricultural tourism programmes championed by the First Lady of Zimbabwe and Patron of Tourism, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.
Emphasising the importance of local communities in safeguarding the nation's natural and cultural heritage, Rwodzi said tourism growth must generate sustainable economic, social and environmental benefits while ensuring that no person and no place is left behind.
Speaking at the launch, Barbara Rwodzi, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, said the initiative is aligned with Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and the Tourism and Hospitality Industry Policy 2025-2030, all anchored on the Heritage-Based Economic Transformation Agenda.
The committee comprises representatives from Government ministries, departments and agencies, academia, women and youth in tourism, persons with disabilities, and the private sector. Its mandate is to promote responsible investment, innovation, climate resilience and inclusive development throughout the tourism value chain.
Zimbabwe's preparations build on the country's hosting of the 23rd UN Tourism Committee on Tourism and Sustainability meeting in Victoria Falls in April 2026, where UN Tourism unveiled the IYSRT 2027 global logo.
She urged stakeholders to adopt innovative waste-management solutions, including converting organic waste into compost and exploring waste-to-energy opportunities, while highlighting the need to create economic opportunities for women and young people through agriculture, hospitality and tourism-related businesses.
The initiative also complements agricultural tourism programmes championed by the First Lady of Zimbabwe and Patron of Tourism, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.
Emphasising the importance of local communities in safeguarding the nation's natural and cultural heritage, Rwodzi said tourism growth must generate sustainable economic, social and environmental benefits while ensuring that no person and no place is left behind.
Source - Byo24News
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