Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi: pic by Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
Zimbabwe is set to host major United Nations Tourism events scheduled to run back-to-back at the Elephant Hills Resort in Victoria Falls, from April 27 April to May 1, 2026.
The high-profile meetings will be follows:
a) the 23rd United Nations Tourism Committee on Tourism and Sustainability (CTS), running from 27th to 28th April 2026;
b) the Committee on Tourism and Sustainability-linked Pilot Capacity-Building Workshop, to be hosted from 28th to 29th April 2026, in preparation for the International Year of Resilient and Sustainable Tourism 2027; and
c) the 2nd United Nations Tourism Regional Congress on Women Empowerment in Tourism in Africa, running from 29th April to 1st May, 2026.
Cabinet heard that “hosting these meetings represents a strategic milestone for Zimbabwe in the journey towards hosting the International Year of Resilient and Sustainable Tourism in 2027, an honour that underscores the country’s political and diplomatic profile within the global tourism governance space.
“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.”
Speaking at the post-Cabinet briefing today (Tuesday 24, 2026), Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi in a video posted by the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, said the country has been hosting such big events in Harare and Victoria Falls because the latter has become a brand for Africa in hosting mass 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.
“So it’s a deliberate move as a government that we are doing to invite these people and now we are getting used to how to host these events.
“Let me say the Minister of Home Affairs, Honourable Kazembe Kazembe, is standing very, very prepared with his team because they are the first of the country within their sector of immigration in receiving the internationals as well as ensuring the transportation of our people who are locals, who are immigrants,” said Minister Rwodzi.
She added that all relevant sectors will work together to ensure the successful hosting of the events.
