Zimbabwe’s election as one of the Vice Presidents of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly is more than a diplomatic milestone, it represents a defining moment in Africa’s collective tourism renaissance. The appointment, announced during the 26th UNWTO General Assembly in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, positions Zimbabwe at the heart of global tourism policy making and innovation, as the world celebrates 50 years of the UN tourism body under the theme “AI Driven Tourism, The Future is Now.”
For Zimbabwe, this recognition reflects the success of its ongoing tourism transformation agenda, built on sustainability, innovation, and cultural promotion. The Honourable Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi, described the election as a strategic breakthrough, giving Zimbabwe a stronger voice to advocate for Africa’s tourism interests and influence policies that support equitable and responsible growth across the continent.
Zimbabwe’s leadership comes at a time when the tourism industry is undergoing a technological revolution, with artificial intelligence reshaping destination management, marketing, and visitor experience. The country’s role within the UNWTO gives it an opportunity to be at the forefront of this global shift, ensuring that Africa’s tourism ecosystems adopt smart and sustainable approaches that align with the digital future.
Honourable Rwodzi also hailed the appointment of Ms Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais as the first female Secretary General in the organisation’s history, a development that signals a new era of inclusion and empowerment in global tourism leadership. She emphasised that the collaboration between Zimbabwe and UN Tourism’s leadership will reinforce Africa’s position as a hub of diverse, authentic, and environmentally responsible travel experiences.
The election comes at an inspiring time for Zimbabwe, following global recognition by Forbes magazine as the world’s best country to visit in 2025. The publication praised the country’s unmatched beauty, from Victoria Falls to the Eastern Highlands, and noted the surge in interest, with Harare recording a 56 percent rise in flight enquiries and Bulawayo over 80 percent in recent months. This international endorsement underscores the momentum that Zimbabwe has built through initiatives like Experience Zimbabwe and ZimBho, which have reignited local and global enthusiasm for the nation’s tourism offerings.
Beyond prestige, Zimbabwe’s new role signifies leadership in defining Africa’s voice on sustainability and digital transformation within global tourism. As Vice President, the country will contribute to developing policies that ensure tourism growth complements environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and social inclusion. It is also a chance to attract investment and expand collaboration across borders, promoting the continent not just as a destination, but as a driver of innovation and resilience in the global tourism landscape.
In essence, Zimbabwe’s appointment is both a national victory and a continental triumph. It reaffirms Africa’s readiness to shape its tourism future, a future that blends tradition with technology, inclusion with innovation, and sustainability with growth.
