By Caroline Washaya Moyo
Zimbabwe’s drive to transform tourism into a catalyst for economic growth, investment and inclusive development has received continental recognition, with Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Honourable Barbara Rwodzi becoming the face of the country’s growing tourism success.
Minister Rwodzi was named Unstoppable African Minister of the Year 2026 at an awards ceremony in Nairobi, Kenya, a recognition she says reflects the collective efforts of the Government and people of Zimbabwe to reposition tourism as a strategic pillar of national development.
In remarks delivered on her behalf following the award, the Minister said the honour affirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to advancing its tourism sector in pursuit of Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy.
She credited President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s leadership for placing tourism at the centre of the country’s economic transformation agenda, while acknowledging First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa’s contribution to promoting Zimbabwe’s heritage, culture, wildlife and gastronomy.
“I receive this recognition not merely as a personal achievement, but as an affirmation of Zimbabwe’s collective efforts to reposition Tourism as a strategic driver of economic growth and national development,” she said.
The recognition came during the launch of The Africa Agenda Forum (TAAF), a Pan-African initiative established to provide a platform for Africans to define their own narratives, celebrate their achievements and collectively shape the continent’s future.
Minister Rwodzi congratulated Ambassador Dr Yusuf Noah and his team for establishing the forum, describing it as an important step towards strengthening Africa’s voice and promoting the continent’s achievements.
Beyond the traditional tourism offering
At the heart of the Minister’s remarks was Zimbabwe’s evolving tourism development strategy, which seeks to expand the country’s appeal beyond its internationally renowned wildlife and natural attractions.
Through a 13-cluster tourism development model, Government is promoting cultural and heritage tourism, religious tourism, sports tourism, gastronomy tourism and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism.
The strategy seeks to unlock opportunities across all 10 provinces, ensuring that communities, tourism enterprises and local economies participate in and benefit from the sector’s expansion.
While Victoria Falls remains a major anchor of Destination Zimbabwe, Minister Rwodzi emphasised that the country’s tourism identity extends far beyond the iconic waterfall.
The Victoria Falls region recorded more than 1.2 million travellers in 2025, representing a 7.8 percent increase, reflecting growing demand for one of Africa’s most celebrated destinations.
Zimbabwe’s broader tourism offering includes five UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Victoria Falls, Great Zimbabwe, Mana Pools, Khami Ruins and the Matobo Hills.
The country’s attractions also encompass Hwange National Park, Gonarezhou, the Eastern Highlands and its diverse cultural and historical heritage.
Minister Rwodzi said Zimbabwe’s competitiveness was determined not only by the beauty of its attractions, but also by the quality of the visitor experience, including authenticity, safety, warmth, hospitality and value for money.
Reforms to strengthen destination competitiveness
The Minister highlighted Government’s efforts to improve Zimbabwe’s tourism competitiveness through policy reforms and enhanced travel facilitation.
These include reviewing and reducing selected tourism levies, introducing electronic visas and e-gates, and decentralising the flagship Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo to extend its economic benefits to different parts of the country.
The reforms are intended to improve the ease of travel, attract investment and strengthen Zimbabwe’s position in the increasingly competitive global tourism market.
The country’s growing international profile has also been reinforced by several accolades.
Forbes Magazine named Zimbabwe the World’s Number One Must-Visit Destination for 2025, while the country received the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) Destination of the Year Award for Natural Wonders at ITB Berlin in March 2025.
Minister Rwodzi was also recognised as Tourism Minister of the Year for Africa at the same event, while Condé Nast Traveller subsequently listed Zimbabwe among the Best Places to Visit in 2026.
“These accolades reflect the growing global appreciation of Zimbabwe’s unique tourism offering and the strategic work being undertaken to strengthen our international destination brand,” she said.
Women and youth at the centre of tourism growth
Minister Rwodzi further underscored the importance of ensuring that tourism development creates opportunities for women and young people.
Zimbabwe’s hosting of the inaugural UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa in Victoria Falls, which attracted representatives from more than 33 countries, demonstrated the country’s commitment to promoting African cuisine, culinary heritage and indigenous knowledge.
The initiative positions gastronomy tourism as a vehicle for destination marketing, entrepreneurship and inclusive economic development.
The Minister said the award was particularly meaningful following her recognition as Zimbabwe’s Overall Best Performing Cabinet Minister for 2025, becoming the first woman to receive the honour since its inception.
She described the accolades as a responsibility to continue delivering results rather than an endpoint in her leadership journey.
“I consider these honours a responsibility rather than a destination. They challenge us to do more, lead with purpose and demonstrate that transformative leadership can deliver tangible results for our people,” she said.
Minister Rwodzi dedicated the continental recognition to the Government and people of Zimbabwe, President Mnangagwa for his unwavering commitment to national development, and the women and men working tirelessly in the tourism sector.
The recognition reinforces Zimbabwe’s growing tourism profile and the sector’s role in advancing investment, employment creation, economic growth and inclusive development in line with the country’s Vision 2030 aspirations.
