Story by Memory Chamisa
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 together with Nigeria.
The appointment was made at the 26th Session of the UNWTO General Assembly, which is underway in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Speaking on the sidelines of the assembly, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honourable Barbara Rwodzi, believes the vice presidency provides Zimbabwe with a strategic platform to champion Africa’s Tourism Agenda, as well as promote sustainability and influence critical decisions shaping the future of the global Tourism Policy.
“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. Zimbabwe’s vice-presidential appointment also comes at a time when the country continues to promote its unique natural attractions, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality under the Experience Zimbabwe and ZimBho campaigns,” she said.
“With its leadership role at the UN Tourism General Assembly, Zimbabwe is well-positioned to strengthen regional collaboration, attract investment, and advocate for policies that support resilient and sustainable tourism growth across Africa. Tourism, being a significant contributor to global economies, the sector must take steps to ensure its growth does not come at the expense of the environment. The UNWTO has since called for the adoption of sustainable practices, including responsible tourism, the reduction of carbon emissions, and the preservation of cultural heritage.”
The major gathering, which is held after every two years, marks the UNWTO’s 50th anniversary running under the theme: ‘AI-Driven Tourism, The Future is Now,’ with focus on how Artificial Intelligence can revolutionise the travel industry.
This year has also witnessed the election of the first female Secretary General in the history of the organisation, Ms Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, following a unanimous vote by member states.
Zimbabwe’s Vice Presidency comes as the country has been named the world’s best country to visit in 2025 by Forbes magazine.
The magazine cited Victoria Falls, Eastern Highlands as the country’s strongest selling points, noting how the country’s capital, Harare, has witnessed a 56 percent surge in flight enquiries, while Bulawayo has registered more than 80 percent flight searches in recent months.
The General Assembly is the supreme organ of UN Tourism, with this year’s theme expected to push the industry from smart tourism systems to personalised visitor experiences.
The key discussions at the Assembly are set to explore how AI tools can be applied to optimise visitor management, increase sustainability, and improve tourism marketing.
