Minister Rwodzi Leads UN Tourism Plenary on Africa–Americas Partnership

Zimbabwe’s Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, successfully chaired the Fourth Plenary Session of the 26th United Nations Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh, following Zimbabwe’s election as one of the Assembly’s Vice Presidents.

The session discussed a proposal by the Dominican Republic to institutionalise the UN Tourism Africa and Americas Summit (CAF–CAM) and to create a new system for South–South Cooperation. The proposal received strong support from member states across Africa and the Americas.

Once established, the CAF–CAM Summit will serve as a major platform for high-level dialogue, technical cooperation, and follow-up on tourism commitments between the two regions.

The planned Summit aims to strengthen partnerships between Africa and the Americas by promoting digital transformation, sustainable tourism, and inclusive economic growth. It will also encourage social inclusion, skills development, and the preservation of cultural heritage and creative industries linked to tourism.

Minister Rwodzi praised member states for their unity and shared vision, saying the decision marked a new chapter of cooperation between Africa and the Americas.

“The initiative shows Zimbabwe and Africa’s strong commitment to regional integration, knowledge exchange, and the growth of sustainable tourism across the Global South,” Hon Rwodzi said.