Zimbabwe Calls for Regional Cooperation to Boost Tourism Growth

Zimbabwe is emerging as a strong player in global tourism, as highlighted ahead of the opening of ITB Berlin. Tourism ministers from around the world met at the UN Tourism Ministers’ Summit under the theme “Empowering Emerging Destinations: From Potential to Performance,” hosted by UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nowais.

Zimbabwe’s Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi, highlighted Africa’s growing tourism sector, which recorded about 80 million international arrivals and US$55 billion in revenue in 2025. She noted that Zimbabwe recorded a 10 percent increase in tourist arrivals, reaching 1,777,569 visitors.

Minister Rwodzi said this growth was driven by improved confidence in Zimbabwe as a destination, better infrastructure, and community-based initiatives such as gastronomy tourism, which promotes local food and culture.

She also stressed the importance of regional cooperation through the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) and called for better regional and international transport links. Other key areas she highlighted included innovation, skills development, clear policies, and strong cooperation between government and tourism stakeholders.

The Minister reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to sustainable, heritage-based tourism that empowers communities, creates jobs, and supports national development goals in line with Vision 2030.