By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Victoria Falls – A high-powered United Nations Tourism delegation arrived to the beat of traditional drums, vibrant dance, and the unmistakable warmth of Zimbabwean hospitality.
Leading the warm embrace was Zimbabwe’s Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi, who welcomed the global visitors gifted with the nation’s pride—the National Fabric—a symbolic gesture rich in cultural meaning, signaling that this corner of Southern Africa is ready to lead the world in conversation.
The UN Tourism Secretariat, headed by Dr. Dirk Glaesser, Director of Sustainable Tourism and Resilience, has touched down for two landmark gatherings hosted right here in the resort town.
From 27 April to 1 May 2026, the Elephant Hills Hotel will serve as the beating heart of global tourism policy, hosting the 23rd UN Tourism Committee on Tourism and Sustainability and the 2nd UN Tourism Regional Congress on Women Empowerment in Tourism in Africa.
Also stepping into the spray of the Falls is Costa Rica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. William Rodriguez Lopez, who chairs the Committee on Tourism and Sustainability.
His country hosted the previous edition, and now the baton has passed to Zimbabwe—proof that the world is watching this nation with growing regard.
This isn’t Zimbabwe’s first rodeo. The fact that this annual sustainability meeting has returned to the country—following previous engagements as recently as 2024—speaks volumes. F
or travellers and industry insiders alike, it’s a clear signal: Zimbabwe is not just a safari destination; it’s a global thought leader.
The first congress from 27-28 April will see Zimbabwe and ten fellow member nations shaping the future of sustainable tourism.
But the real spotlight for leisure travelers and culture enthusiasts? That comes from 29 April to 1 May, when the congress pivots to the powerful theme of women in tourism.
First held in Sierra Leone, this year’s congress is bigger and bolder. Women from across Africa will gather not just to celebrate, but to break into boardrooms, government chambers, and corporate leadership. There will be capacity-building workshops, storytelling sessions, and showcases of homegrown innovation.
The unmissable highlight? On 29 April, Zimbabwe’s First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa —patron of the country’s tourism and hospitality industry—will attend as guest of honour, meeting thousands of women converging on Victoria Falls from every corner of the continent. It promises to be a moving spectacle of unity, power, and pan-African pride.
If two major UN events weren’t enough to put Victoria Falls on the map, here’s the real scoop for travel insiders: The United Nations General Assembly has officially declared 2027 the International Year of Resilience and Sustainable Tourism.
And the very first planning meeting for this global initiative is happening here, alongside the committee sessions.
Five continental representatives will join the table to lay the groundwork for what promises to be a watershed year for the global industry. Victoria Falls isn’t just hosting a meeting—it’s making history.
Speaking with barely contained excitement, Minister Rwodzi put it best: “It’s an excitement for us because it’s something that is very big. 2027, the whole of it will be about resilience and sustainable tourism, and the first meeting being held here.”
But beyond the agendas and resolutions, what does this mean for you, the traveller? Everything.
Every time UN Tourism chooses Zimbabwe, it sends a message that no glossy brochure can replicate.
As Minister Rwodzi noted plainly, “It means Zimbabwe is peaceful. It means Zimbabwe has good people. It means Zimbabwe is safe for international tourists.”
As the world turns its gaze to this land of waterfalls, baobabs, and boundless smiles, Victoria Falls rises once again—not just as a natural wonder, but as a beacon of sustainability, empowerment, and innovation in tourism.
So whether you’re a policymaker, a traveller, or someone dreaming of Africa, one thing is clear: Zimbabwe is open, and the Falls are calling.
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