At the 68th meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa, which was held in Nigeria, Zimbabwe is confirmed to have secured the hosting rights for the next UN Women in Tourism Congress.
In a double triumph for the southern African nation, Zimbabwe was also voted Vice President of the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly, which will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia this November.
The two accomplishments are interpreted as a testament to Zimbabwe’s increasing prominence in the world of tourism, particularly under First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa’s leadership. Her groundbreaking initiatives, such as Gastronomy Tourism, Women’s Market Galore, Farm to Market, Agri4She, and AgroTourism4She, have raised awareness of inclusive and sustainable tourism practices that support rural communities and women. 
The high-level summit, which was attended by ministers and delegates from 51 African nations as well as leaders in the world of tourism, concentrated on innovation, sustainability, and the advancement of African cultural identity as crucial pillars for releasing the continent’s economic potential.
Zimbabwe received the highest number of votes in the selection process, ahead of countries such as Kenya, Seychelles, Zambia, Angola, Morocco, South Africa, Mozambique, and Tunisia.
These successes not only elevate Zimbabwe’s global profile but also underscore the continent’s increasing role in reshaping the global tourism narrative. With the tourism industry valued at over $11 trillion globally, Africa still accounts for less than 5% of global tourism revenue and under 1% of creative exports a gap leaders hope to close through strategic innovation and investment.
Zimbabwe’s recognition on the world stage signals a shift toward a more inclusive, culturally rich, and economically empowering tourism sector for Africa.
