By Princess Eugene Majuru
HARARE, ZIMBABWE – In a significant diplomatic and professional achievement that underscores Zimbabwe’s rising profile in global tourism, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi (MP), has been appointed as a Vice President of the 2025 UN Tourism General Assembly.
This prestigious appointment places Zimbabwe directly at the leadership table of the United Nations’ main policy-making body for global tourism, offering an unprecedented opportunity to influence international tourism policy and promote the nation’s vast attractions.
A Track Record of Dynamic Leadership
Minister Rwodzi, who assumed her current portfolio in September 2023, has quickly established herself as a dynamic and results-driven leader. Her appointment as Vice President of the General Assembly—which is typically held every two years to approve the budget and programme of work—is a recognition of her ministry’s proactive strategies.
Key areas of success and focus under her tenure include:
Domestic Tourism Drive: Minister Rwodzi has aggressively championed the Domestic Tourism Campaign, aiming to inculcate a culture of local travel among Zimbabweans and boost the tourism economy from within. This strategy leverages the industry’s potential to unlock growth for local businesses and community-based tourism initiatives.
International Promotion: She has consistently led Zimbabwe’s presence at major global travel markets, including the World Travel Market in London and FITUR in Madrid, ensuring that the country’s diverse offerings—from the Victoria Falls to rich history and heritage—remain visible to the international market.
Infrastructure and Policy Focus: The Minister has emphasized the “Tripod of 3As” (Access, Accommodation, and Activities) as the core focus for investment. Her ministry operates under a Heritage-Based Tourism and Hospitality Doctrine, aligning the sector’s growth with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and the target of achieving a US$5 billion tourism economy by 2025.
Previous Experience: Before her current role, Minister Rwodzi served as the Deputy Minister of Environment, Climate Change, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, giving her valuable experience in integrating sustainability and climate awareness into the sector.
This role is far more than a ceremonial title; it provides immense practical benefits for Zimbabwe:
Elevated Global Voice: As Vice President, Minister Rwodzi will have a direct role in shaping the agenda for global tourism development, sustainability, and investment, ensuring that the unique challenges and opportunities faced by African nations are prioritized.
Investment Attraction: The high-level international profile draws direct attention from global investors, airlines, and tour operators, potentially fast-tracking investment in Zimbabwean infrastructure—especially airports, road networks, and accommodation facilities.
Skills and Knowledge Transfer: The position facilitates access to best global practices, latest technologies (like AI-Powered Tourism, the theme of the 26th Assembly), and expertise, which can be directly implemented to enhance Zimbabwe’s visitor experience and efficiency.
Destination Branding: The appointment acts as a powerful international endorsement of Zimbabwe’s commitment to multilateral cooperation and sustainable tourism, effectively serving as free, high-impact marketing for the country as a safe and key destination.
Minister Rwodzi’s elevation is a clear testament to the confidence the global tourism community places in Zimbabwe’s potential and signals a bright horizon for the sector as the country seeks to establish itself as a primary global travel destination.
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