Business Reporter
ZIMBABWE is set to host UN Tourism Committee on Tourism and Sustainability (CTS) in September 2025 in yet another gesture confirming the country’s irresistible global footprint in the sector.
The Southern Africa nation which remains an active member of the CTS, alongside Costa Rica (Chair), Croatia, Egypt, Fiji, Kenya, Portugal, Sri Lanka, and Uruguay successfully attended the 20th meeting of the UN Tourism CTS successfully concluded on 23 January 2025 at the UN Tourism Headquarters in Madrid, Spain.
A communiqué released at the close of the influential event confirmed Zimbabwe as the next destination of the high level event.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister , Hon Barbara Rwodzi who was in attendance at the event immediately accepted the offer and informed the delegation of the country’s readiness to host the top delegates.
“Zimbabwe remains committed to shaping the future of sustainable tourism development in partnership with other Member States. We aim to implement policies and strategies in line with the triple bottom line—people, planet, and profit.
“This expression of confidence extended to our country is a testament to the people and Government of Zimbabwe’s capability to host international events. The hosting of this event exemplifies inclusive tourism development, a vision championed by Her Excellency, the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, who serves as the Zimbabwe Patron of Tourism,” she said.
As the Patron of Tourism, the First Lady introduced key programs such as Gastronomy Tourism, Agric4She, and Farm-to-Market, which the Ministry intends to extend to every province this year, promoting inclusivity and sustainability in the tourism sector.
These initiatives made her to be recognized by UN Tourism for her efforts to empower local communities, women, youth, and people with disabilities. The initiatives aim to integrate the community into the Tourism Value Chain for Sustainable Development, a vision she continues to advocate for across Zimbabwe.
Said Rwodzi, “Zimbabwe intends to position itself as one of the leading countries in promoting sustainable tourism. This ambitious goal encompasses various aspects of sustainability, including environmental conservation, community inclusion, and the economic empowerment of marginalized groups. By focusing on these areas, Zimbabwe aims to set an example on the global stage.”
The 21st CTS meeting will bring together UN Tourism Committee members, policymakers, experts from international organizations, Regional Economic Communities such as the African Union, SADC, COMESA, and national and international media.
This global tourism event offers Zimbabwe a unique opportunity to showcase its rich cultural and natural heritage, which supports the UN Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
