The Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, applauds the leadership of President Cde Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa after Forbes named Zimbabwe the best destination to visit in 2025, describing the global recognition as a powerful endorsement of the government’s vision to make Zimbabwe a great nation again.

Hon. Rwodzi said the Forbes recognition reflects the success of the Second Republic’s policy of engagement, re-engagement, and opening Zimbabwe for business, which has positioned the country as one of the most attractive and peaceful destinations on the continent.

“Being listed by Forbes is an international recognition for Destination Zimbabwe and an endorsement of our Government’s commitment to making Zimbabwe a great place again,” said Minister Rwodzi. “It speaks to His Excellency’s strategy of engaging and re-engaging, as well as opening our country to business opportunities for all,” she said.

The recognition is a result of the Government’s deliberate efforts through the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) to market the country rigorously both internationally and locally.

“Forbes Media’s recognition is an international acknowledgment of the economic efforts our country continues to demonstrate. We are grateful for this opportunity to tell the world the correct narrative about Destination Zimbabwe,” Minister Rwodzi stated.

She emphasised that tourism plays a vital role in shaping Zimbabwe’s image abroad through soft diplomacy, allowing international visitors to appreciate the country’s peaceful people, rich heritage, and natural beauty beyond politics.

“Tourism shows the world that Zimbabwe is a war-free, crime-free, and peaceful nation full of hardworking people. Visitors discover the true beauty of our country and its hospitable citizens,” she added.

Minister Rwodzi highlighted that in 2023, the Ministry introduced a 12-cluster strategy to strengthen and diversify the tourism sector. The clusters include Sports Tourism, Medical Tourism, Wildlife Tourism, Study and Diplomacy Tourism, Religious Tourism, Gastronomy Tourism, Culture and Heritage Tourism, Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR), and Recreational Tourism, among others.

The most successful cluster so far has been Gastronomy Tourism, which was spearheaded by the First Lady and Patron of Tourism, Her Excellency Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa.

“Her Excellency’s leadership in promoting local cuisine led to UN Tourism honouring her in 2024 after Zimbabwe successfully hosted the first-ever UN Tourism Gastronomy Conference in Africa, held in Victoria Falls,” said the Minister.

Since the conference, Zimbabwe has witnessed a surge in international tourist arrivals, with global travellers showing renewed confidence in the country. Locally, the gastronomy drive has inspired restaurants and hotels, including the Hyatt Hotel in Harare, to proudly serve traditional Zimbabwean dishes, enhancing domestic tourism and cultural pride.

Hon. Rwodzi also praised the progress of the Wildlife Tourism cluster, noting that the United States has now overtaken the United Kingdom and Germany as Zimbabwe’s leading tourism source market.

“Our wildlife heritage remains a cornerstone of our tourism industry. We commend ZimParks and all conservancy operators for their outstanding work in conservation and hospitality,” she said.

The Minister further highlighted the success of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo’s devolution strategy, which is broadening tourism visibility across all provinces.

“It is encouraging to see experts now writing about the Eastern Highlands, giving Manicaland the attention it deserves. All roads will lead to Masvingo in 2026 for the next Sanganai/Hlanganani, showcasing the Great Zimbabwe Monuments,” she said.

At the heart of Zimbabwe’s tourism promotion remains Victoria Falls – Mosi-oa-Tunya, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a globally recognised brand.

“We continue to market our Destination Zimbabwe with Victoria Falls as our lead product. It represents the spirit, peace, and beauty of our nation, and we couldn’t be prouder,” Minister Rwodzi said.

Hon. Rwodzi said Zimbabwe’s inclusion on the Forbes list is more than an accolade; it is proof that the country’s tourism strategy is bearing fruit and that international confidence in Brand Zimbabwe is being restored.

“This recognition is a celebration of our people and our leadership. It shows that Zimbabwe is back on the global tourism map, ready to welcome the world with warmth and pride,” she concluded.