By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
In a moment of profound national pride and historic significance, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi, was today honoured as the Best Performing Cabinet Minister by President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.
The award, presented at a ceremony in Harare, is particularly momentous as Minister Rwodzi becomes the first woman to receive this accolade since its inception—a milestone achieved during the globally celebrated Month of Women.
The President’s recognition of Minister Rwodzi’s exceptional performance comes on the heels of a spectacular month of global triumphs for Zimbabwe’s tourism sector, all under her stewardship.
Just days ago, at the conclusion of the ITB Berlin 2026—the world’s leading travel trade show—Minister Rwodzi was named Tourism Minister of The Year – AFRICA 2025 by the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA).
This international award was a testament to her aggressive and successful marketing strategies that have placed Zimbabwe firmly on the global travel map.
During that same prestigious ceremony in Berlin, Germany, Zimbabwe itself was crowned the Best Destination for Natural Wonders 2025.
This global recognition affirms the country’s unparalleled beauty, from the thunderous smoke of Victoria Falls to the ancient majesty of the Eastern Highlands and the wildlife-rich plains of Hwange.
It follows another significant milestone earlier this year when Forbes magazine named Zimbabwe among its “2025 Must-Visit Destinations” in the world.
Reading a citation, a senior government official paid tribute to the chain of leadership that has catalyzed this success.
“Your Excellency the President, we wish to pay tribute to a remarkable moment of global recognition that reflects the realisation of your vision for the transformation and growth of Zimbabwe’s tourism sector,” the official stated.
The official further acknowledged that these achievements are not only a result of the Minister’s dynamic leadership but also the visionary stewardship of President Mnangagwa.
Special mention was made of the dedicated guidance of the Patron of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, the First Lady, Her Excellency Auxillia Mnangagwa, with whom the Minister works closely in advancing Zimbabwe’s global tourism promotion through cultural preservation and community-based tourism initiatives.
A Historic First in Women’s Month
The symbolism of Minister Rwodzi’s latest award was not lost on those in attendance. As the first woman to be named Best Performing Cabinet Minister since the award’s inception, her success embodies the empowerment and excellence of Zimbabwean women.
Her story is one of transformative leadership. From leveraging diaspora engagement to spearheading domestic tourism campaigns, Minister Rwodzi has redefined the country’s brand. Her approach combines cultural heritage with modern marketing, ensuring that the narrative of Zimbabwe is told by Zimbabweans on the world stage.
Following the tribute, President Mnangagwa presented Minister Rwodzi with the prestigious honour, solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer in a month dedicated to celebrating the strength and achievements of women.
With Victoria Falls now boasting Africa’s premier luxury train experience, “The Eleventh,” and the country riding a wave of international acclaim, the future of Zimbabwe’s tourism industry—under the leadership of Hon. Barbara Rwodzi—has never looked brighter.
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