Zimbabwe Tourism Authority

Official Zimbabwe Tourism Authority page regulating the tourism industry & promoting the destination. Follow @TourismZimbabwe, @ZimBho_Official & @MeetInZim.

[Zimbabwe Tourism Authority @ZtaUpdates]

Strengthening Regional Tourism trade is key to expanding market reach, increasing Tourist flows and generating greater economic value across Zimbabwe’s Tourism value chain. South African travel agents participated in a Familiarisation (FAM) Tour of Victoria Falls, organised in partnership with South African Airways (SAA) and local tourism industry players. The programme provided first-hand exposure to the destination’s diverse Tourism products and experiences, equipping agents with the knowledge to effectively package, recommend and sell Zimbabwe. Leveraging strong air connectivity from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, the initiative also strengthened business linkages between South African travel trade and Zimbabwean tourism suppliers, enhancing the country’s competitiveness in the Regional market.

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Zimbabwe has stepped up its preparations for the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism (IYSRT) 2027 with the official unveiling of a 26-member National Committee tasked with coordinating the country’s National Programme of Flagship Activities. Officiating at the launch, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Barbara Rwodzi, said the initiative aligns with Vision 2030, NDS2 and the Tourism and Hospitality Industry Policy 2025–2030, anchored on the Heritage-Based Economic Transformation Agenda. The Committee brings together Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Academia, Women and Youth in Tourism, Persons with Disabilities and the Private sector to drive responsible investment, innovation, climate resilience and inclusive development across the Tourism value chain. Zimbabwe’s preparations build on its hosting of the 23rd UN Tourism Committee on Tourism and Sustainability meeting in Victoria Falls in April 2026, where the IYSRT 2027 global logo was unveiled by the UN Tourism.

Minister Rwodzi underscored that the International Year must translate into tangible benefits beyond commemorative events, including stronger tourism enterprises, environmental conservation, green infrastructure, improved destination resilience and greater community participation. She called for innovative waste-management solutions, including converting organic waste into compost and exploring waste-to-energy opportunities, while emphasising economic opportunities for women and young people through agriculture, hospitality and tourism-related enterprises, building on the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe who is the Patron of Tourism Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa’s agricultural tourism initiatives. Recognising Communities as custodians of the country’s natural and cultural heritage, she stressed that Tourism growth must deliver lasting economic, social and environmental benefits, leaving no one and no place behind.

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[Zimbabwe Tourism Authority @ZtaUpdates]

The Sports Tourism Cluster continues to leverage international sporting platforms to market Destination Zimbabwe, expand its global visibility and generate opportunities across the Tourism value chain. In this regard, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) Chief Executive Officer Dr George Manyaya, representing the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Barbara Rwodzi, joined the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Permanent Secretary Mr Nicholas Moyo and thousands of Zimbabweans from the diaspora at Wakefield Trinity Stadium in the United Kingdom to rally behind the Sables in their historic encounter against Samoa. Dr Manyaya highlighted the role of Sports Tourism in stimulating travel, attracting investment and strengthening diaspora engagement, noting that international sporting events provide a valuable platform to showcase Zimbabwe’s natural wonders, cultural heritage and hospitality to global audiences.

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As the curtains came down on the World Travel Market (WTM) 2026 in London, Zimbabwe took its Tourism Investment agenda directly to the Diaspora, hosting a successful Engagement Forum and Dinner at Zimbabwe House in London. Officiated by the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Barbara Rwodzi and attended by Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom Col. (Rtd) Christian Katsande and Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Chief Executive Dr George Manyaya, the engagement called on Zimbabweans abroad to move beyond remittances and scale up their contribution through direct investment back home. The Minister conveyed His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa’s deep appreciation for Diaspora remittances, which have sustained the Zimbabwean economy over the years, while emphasising his keen interest in seeing these contributions complemented by increased economic investment back home.

She reiterated that Tourism is a low-hanging Sector, offering significant opportunities for the Diaspora to participate directly in the country's Economic transformation. As an important constituency in Zimbabwe’s Economy, the Diaspora must not be left behind in the programmes and projects advancing Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2. Drawing attention to the 13 Tourism Clusters and the diverse investment prospects they offer, the Minister highlighted opportunities in accommodation and hospitality infrastructure in Victoria Falls, particularly around the Mosi-oa-Tunya development, conference facilities in Harare ahead of AfCFTA 2029, as well as Cultural, Heritage and Rural Tourism. She underscored Tourism’s capacity to generate employment, empower communities, expand enterprise opportunities and transform livelihoods, while assuring prospective investors of Government’s readiness to facilitate investment. Ambassador Katsande applauded the Diaspora’s continued contribution to National Development and encouraged stronger engagement with Government and the private sector.

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[Zimbabwe Tourism Authority @ZtaUpdates]

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[Zimbabwe Tourism Authority @ZtaUpdates]

The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Board, Management and Staff and the Mosi-oa-Tunya Development Company Board, Management and Staff extend their heartfelt congratulations to our Minister Hon Barbara Rwodzi, on being named 2026 Unstoppable African Cabinet Minister of the Year.

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[Zimbabwe Tourism Authority @ZtaUpdates]

Speaking at the Minister’s Summit 2026 during the World Travel Market, held under the theme “Strengthening Tourism for a Resilient and Regenerative Future,” the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, emphasised that Zimbabwe’s Tourism success is measured not by International and Domestic Tourist arrivals, but by the sector’s contribution to GDP and more importantly, the tangible socio-economic impact of its Value Chain in transforming the livelihoods of Communities, who are the custodians of the rich Heritage that Zimbabwe showcases to the world.

The Minister underscored the importance of Tourism in transforming the livelihoods of ordinary and marginalised Zimbabweans who are part of the Tourism Value Chain, ensuring that they meaningfully benefit from the sector’s growth and that this translates into improved livelihoods and the attainment of Upper Middle-Income Society status by 2030, in line with His Excellency, the President, Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa’s vision.

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[Zimbabwe Tourism Authority @ZtaUpdates]

DAY 2 | WTM 2026 | LONDON

Zimbabwe is championing a resilient, inclusive and regenerative future for tourism!

The Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon Barbara Rwodzi, joined global tourism leaders at the WTM Ministers’ Summit 2026, organised in partnership with UN Tourism and WTTC, under the theme “Strengthening Tourism for a Resilient and Regenerative Future.”

The Minister reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to climate-resilient tourism, welcoming the launch of the official logo for the 2027 International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism at the 23rd UN Tourism Meeting in Victoria Falls in April 2026. She reiterated Zimbabwe’s foreign policy principle, “A friend to all and an enemy to none,” underscoring the importance of peace, stability and international cooperation in tourism development.

Highlighting the effects of climate change and drought on wildlife, biodiversity and tourism infrastructure, she called for collective action and sustainable water solutions. She also acknowledged Government’s dam construction programme under President Cde. Dr E. D. Mnangagwa as critical to strengthening water security and sustaining wildlife and conservancies. The Minister identified people and communities as Zimbabwe’s greatest tourism assets and custodians of its heritage, stressing that tourism must improve livelihoods and deliver tangible community benefits. She highlighted how Vision 2030 and Agenda 2063 are being advanced through gastronomy tourism, rural industrialisation and the farm-to-market model.

She recognised the First Lady who is the Patron of Tourism Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, for championing traditional cuisine, which has helped position Zimbabwe as host of the inaugural UN Tourism continental gastronomy conference. She also highlighted Air Zimbabwe’s direct Harare–London service as a boost to connectivity and an opportunity to showcase Zimbabwean cuisine.

The Minister noted that tourism accounts to 10% of National GDP and highlighted that Tourism can actually sustain the country’s GDP when other sectors face challenges as what happened in 2024 when the Minerals were affected by the Global price crisis and Agriculture was heavily affected by Climate Change while our Industry was still shaping up.

UN Tourism’s Secretary-General welcomed her contribution and highlighted tourism intelligence, data sharing and standardised analytics as priorities for measuring tourism’s true economic and social impact across member states.

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[Zimbabwe Tourism Authority @ZtaUpdates]

The World Travel Market (WTM) 2026 in London has opened on a strong note for Destination Zimbabwe, with an encouraging turnout at the Zimbabwe Stand and considerable interest in the country’s diverse Tourism offerings. Led by the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon Barbara Rwodzi, a delegation, comprising Tourism Industry players and key Tourism Enablers, is leveraging this global travel trade platform to enhance destination visibility, deepen engagement with the European market and position Zimbabwe competitively on the International Tourism landscape. The Minister’s engagements with exhibitors, international tour operators and industry stakeholders, coupled with the positive response at the stand, reflect growing interest in Zimbabwe as a distinctive tourism destination.

The opening day also saw the delegation undertake business-focused engagements with tour operators, travel trade partners, prospective investors and international media, creating opportunities to translate destination interest into tangible tourism business. Participation at WTM 2026 forms part of Zimbabwe’s ongoing destination marketing and international market expansion strategy, providing a platform to expand market access, strengthen international distribution networks, attract investment and forge strategic relationships that support tourism growth. The Minister toured the Zimbabwe Stand accompanied by Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Colonel Katsande, and Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Chief Executive Officer, Dr George Manyaya reinforcing a coordinated national effort to advance Brand Zimbabwe and consolidate the country's competitiveness in the global tourism market.

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[Zimbabwe Tourism Authority @ZtaUpdates]

The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, together with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, tourism operators and industry stakeholders, is proudly representing Zimbabwe at the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2026, one of the world’s leading global travel and tourism exhibitions.

Come and meet Zimbabwe! Discover our extraordinary destinations, explore exciting tourism experiences, and connect with Zimbabwe’s vibrant tourism industry as we showcase the country’s unique natural wonders, rich cultural heritage, wildlife, adventure and investment opportunities to the world.

WTM London Stand S6-330
3–5 November 2026

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[Zimbabwe Tourism Authority @ZtaUpdates]

ZIMBABWE’S UNSTOPPABLE MOMENT! PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA’S HERITAGE-BASED TOURISM AGENDA EARNS HISTORIC CONTINENTAL RECOGNITION!

His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa’s Heritage-Based Tourism Agenda continues to yield tangible results, with Zimbabwe securing historic continental recognition through the naming of the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Barbara Rwodzi, as UNSTOPPABLE AFRICAN CABINET MINISTER OF THE YEAR 2026. The prestigious honour was conferred at the Unstoppable African Awards held last night, 31 October 2026, at the Hilton Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, during the inaugural launch of The Africa Agenda Forum (TAAF).

The recognition followed a continent-wide and global public voting process, with Kenya’s Minister for Public Service Hon Geoffrey Ruku as the 1st runner up, Kenya’s Minister of East African Affairs Hon Beatrice Askul, emerging as 2nd Runner-Up, while Uganda’s Minister for Local Government, Hon Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi was named 3rd Runner-Up. The award was received on Minister Rwodzi’s behalf by Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the Republic of Kenya, Her Excellency Winpeg Moyo, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Dr Takaruza Munyanyiwa, and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Chief Executive Officer, Dr George Manyaya.

In her acceptance remarks, delivered by the Ambassador, Minister Rwodzi expressed humility and gratitude, describing the recognition as an affirmation of Zimbabwe’s collective efforts to reposition Tourism as a strategic driver of economic growth and national development. She acknowledged the President’s visionary leadership in placing Tourism at the centre of the country’s economic transformation agenda in pursuit of Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy. She also recognised the invaluable contribution of the First Lady, Her Excellency Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, Patron of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, whose passion for national heritage, culture, wildlife and gastronomy continues to enrich Zimbabwe’s destination identity and strengthen its tourism narrative.

The award is a significant affirmation of Zimbabwe’s growing international tourism profile and the strategic direction being pursued to strengthen Destination Zimbabwe’s competitiveness. It underscores the importance of the Heritage-Based Tourism Agenda in driving investment, creating employment opportunities and positioning Tourism as a key pillar of National Development.

ZIMBABWE IS ON THE AFRICAN STAGE. ZIMBABWE IS ON THE GLOBAL MAP. THIS IS OUR MOMENT!

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