By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
HARARE – The country’s tourism sector has paid tribute to First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa for her outstanding contribution to advancing Zimbabwe’s tourism agenda, particularly through her promotion of culture, gastronomy, indigenous knowledge systems, and cultural heritage.
The recognition came during the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority’s inaugural Annual General Meeting on 16 June 2026, where Permanent Secretary Dr. Takaruza Munyanyiwa, speaking on behalf of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, singled out the First Lady for her transformative impact on the country’s tourism brand and international visibility.
A Champion of Culture and Heritage
“Allow me also to recognise the outstanding contribution of the Tourism Patron, Her Excellency the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, in advancing the country’s tourism agenda,” Dr. Munyanyiwa told delegates.
“Through her promotion of Zimbabwean culture, gastronomy tourism, indigenous knowledge systems and cultural heritage, she has significantly enhanced the country’s tourism brand and international visibility.”
The First Lady‘s advocacy, Dr. Munyanyiwa noted, extends beyond mere promotion—it is deeply rooted in community development, women’s empowerment, environmental stewardship, and cultural preservation.
“Her continued advocacy for community development, women’s empowerment, environmental stewardship and cultural preservation complements Government efforts to position Zimbabwe as a premier tourism destination in Africa and beyond,” she said.
A Heritage-Based Tourism Model
The tribute came as Zimbabwe embraces a heritage-based tourism development model under the visionary leadership of President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.
The model leverages the country’s rich cultural heritage, gastronomy, wildlife, arts, history, and traditions to define Destination Zimbabwe.
The First Lady‘s work has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life, ensuring that communities actively participate in and benefit from tourism development.
Tourism: A Strategic Economic Pillar
Dr. Munyanyiwa reaffirmed that tourism remains one of Zimbabwe’s most strategic economic sectors and a key pillar in the attainment of Vision 2030.
She noted that tourism drives economic growth, employment creation, foreign currency generation, investment attraction, infrastructure development, and community empowerment.
National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) identifies tourism as a key economic growth driver, providing a clear framework for accelerating tourism growth and strengthening Zimbabwe’s position in the global tourism marketplace.
A Partnership for Progress
The recognition of the First Lady’s contributions comes at a time when Zimbabwe is intensifying efforts towards destination promotion, product diversification, digital innovation, improved service standards, and enhanced visitor experiences.
The Minister urged the tourism sector to ensure that international recognition translates into increased tourist arrivals, higher tourism receipts, more jobs, stronger community benefits, and greater investment flows.
A Shared Vision
As the inaugural AGM concluded, the message was clear: Zimbabwe’s tourism future depends on collaboration, accountability, and a shared vision.
The First Lady’s role as Tourism Patron exemplifies the kind of leadership that can elevate the country’s brand on the global stage.
“Let us work together to build a tourism sector that is competitive, inclusive, resilient and transformative,” Dr. Munyanyiwa said.
“One that contributes meaningfully to Vision 2030, advances the objectives of NDS2 and showcases the very best of Zimbabwe to the world.”
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