The United Nations Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism kicks off today at the Elephant Hills Hotel in Victoria Falls, drawing a full house of local and international delegates. With local accommodations fully booked, some participants have been relocated to nearby rural lodges and even as far as Hwange. His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, will officially open the forum, highlighting the excitement and significance of the event.
Zimbabwe was selected to host this prestigious conference, recognizing the efforts of First Lady Amai Dr. Auxilia Mnangagwa in promoting gastronomy tourism. Her grassroots initiatives and the successful showcase of Zimbabwean culture and cuisine in Spain last October have been instrumental in securing this opportunity. The First Lady’s humanitarian work has significantly contributed to the promotion of gastronomy tourism in the country.
The forum, which ends on Sunday, has attracted around 450 local and international delegates, including a substantial number from the local tourism industry. An estimated 10,000 locals are expected to attend the official opening. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvill, along with eight First Ladies and 18 Ministers of Tourism, will be in attendance, further emphasizing the event’s importance.
This inaugural event in Africa offers Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe’s prime tourism destination, a chance to demonstrate its status as a world-class destination. The full capacity of Victoria Falls is a testament to the success of the National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy launched by President Mnangagwa in 2020.
Additionally, the forum has spotlighted the growth of rural tourism in Zimbabwe. The capacity of rural lodges surrounding Victoria Falls to accommodate some delegates underscores the development and potential of rural tourism in the country.
