Zimbabwe has been elected as one of the Vice Presidents of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly, representing the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa alongside Nigeria. The announcement came during the 26th Session of the UNWTO General Assembly, currently taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This high-profile appointment places Zimbabwe at the forefront of global tourism governance, providing a strategic platform to influence international policy and advocate for Africa’s tourism priorities.
Speaking on the sidelines of the assembly, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honourable Barbara Rwodzi, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment. She described the vice presidency as a major opportunity for Zimbabwe and the African continent to champion sustainable tourism and shape decisions that will determine the future of the global travel sector. “This is a great opportunity, not only for Zimbabwe, but for Africa as a continent. As women, we are also excited about the appointment of the first female Secretary General, taking over from Mr Zurab Pololikashvili. We look forward to working together,” she said.
Zimbabwe’s elevation to a leadership role comes at a time when the country is actively promoting its natural attractions, rich cultural heritage, and renowned hospitality through initiatives such as the Experience Zimbabwe and ZimBho campaigns. Minister Rwodzi emphasized that the vice presidency allows the country to strengthen regional collaboration, attract investment, and advocate for policies that support sustainable and resilient tourism growth across Africa. She noted that tourism, as a major contributor to global economies, must evolve in ways that preserve the environment, reduce carbon emissions, and safeguard cultural heritage.
“The UNWTO has called for the adoption of sustainable practices, including responsible tourism, the reduction of carbon emissions, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Zimbabwe, through its leadership role, is now well-positioned to influence these global priorities while promoting Africa as a competitive and sustainable tourism destination,” Minister Rwodzi added.
Zimbabwe Elected Vice President of UNWTO, Strengthening Africa’s Tourism Voice
The UNWTO General Assembly, convened every two years, coincides with the organisation’s 50th anniversary this year. The session is themed “AI-Driven Tourism: The Future is Now,” highlighting the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in reshaping the travel and hospitality sectors. This year’s assembly also witnessed the election of the first female Secretary General in the organisation’s history, Ms Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, who was unanimously voted into office by member states.
Zimbabwe’s Vice Presidency comes at a particularly auspicious moment, following Forbes magazine naming the country the world’s best country to visit in 2025. The publication highlighted iconic destinations such as Victoria Falls and the Eastern Highlands, while noting significant increases in flight enquiries to Zimbabwean cities. Harare, the nation’s capital, experienced a 56 percent surge in flight bookings, while Bulawayo registered more than an 80 percent rise in searches in recent months. These statistics underscore the growing global interest in Zimbabwe as a premier travel destination and reinforce the importance of its leadership role at the UNWTO.
As Vice President, Zimbabwe will participate in key discussions on the adoption of AI and digital tools to enhance visitor experiences, optimise tourism management, and promote sustainable practices. The General Assembly serves as the supreme decision-making body of the UNWTO, providing member states with a platform to exchange ideas, develop international tourism standards, and explore innovative strategies for future growth.
The 26th session is expected to focus on the potential of AI-driven tourism to create personalised and memorable experiences for travellers, while also improving marketing, operational efficiency, and environmental stewardship. Zimbabwe’s leadership role allows the country to advocate for Africa-wide benefits, ensuring that technological advancements in tourism are inclusive and aligned with regional priorities.
Minister Rwodzi reiterated that the appointment represents more than prestige; it is an opportunity for Zimbabwe to actively shape international tourism policy and position Africa as a hub for sustainable and innovative travel experiences. She emphasized the importance of collaboration with regional partners, private sector stakeholders, and international organisations to maximise the impact of Zimbabwe’s vice-presidential role.
By leveraging this position, Zimbabwe aims to strengthen its tourism sector, attract global investment, and showcase its unique cultural and natural assets on the world stage. With the country already gaining international recognition and now assuming a leadership role in the UNWTO, Zimbabwe is poised to influence global tourism discussions and ensure that Africa’s voice remains central in shaping the future of the industry.
Source – ZBC
