By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Harbin, China – Zimbabwe has consolidated its position as a continental leader in tourism innovation after becoming the first African country to host the UN Tourism Gastronomy Tourism Forum, a milestone that has elevated the country’s profile on the global tourism stage.
The achievement was highlighted during the 11th Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) in Harbin, where Zimbabwe was invited as Guest of Honour, joining UN Tourism leadership, ministers, policymakers and industry captains from more than 30 countries to deliberate on the future of the global tourism economy.
The UN Tourism Gastronomy Tourism Forum, hosted by Zimbabwe, was held in honour of the Patron of Tourism, Her Excellency Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, and marked a significant step in positioning gastronomy as a strategic pillar of tourism-led development in Africa.
Addressing delegates at GTEF, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, said the forum demonstrated Zimbabwe’s commitment to inclusive, community-driven tourism that integrates agriculture, culture and hospitality into a unified value chain.
She highlighted that gastronomy tourism offers a powerful pathway for rural industrialisation, linking farmers directly to hotels, restaurants and airlines through structured farm-to-market systems that prioritise locally produced food, value addition and sustainable livelihoods.
Zimbabwe’s pioneering role in gastronomy tourism reflects its broader Heritage-Based Tourism Strategy, which leverages the country’s cultural identity, traditional cuisine and indigenous knowledge systems as competitive economic assets.
International delegates noted that Zimbabwe’s hosting of the forum set a precedent for other African countries seeking to move beyond conventional tourism models towards high-value, culture-led experiences that deliver tangible benefits to communities.
The milestone has further strengthened Zimbabwe’s leadership within UN Tourism, reinforcing its growing influence in shaping global tourism discourse and policy, while positioning African gastronomy and heritage at the centre of the international tourism agenda.
As global tourism increasingly shifts towards authentic, sustainable and experience-driven travel, Zimbabwe’s trailblazing role in gastronomy tourism signals a new chapter in Africa’s participation in the global tourism economy.
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