By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Harare — Zimbabwe has stepped up its preparations for the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism (IYSRT) 2027 with the official unveiling of a 26-member National Committee tasked with coordinating the country’s National Programme of Flagship Activities.
Officiating at the launch, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, said the IYSRT 2027 initiative aligns with Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), and the Tourism and Hospitality Industry Policy 2025–2030, anchored on the Heritage-Based Economic Transformation Agenda.
Who is in Charge? A Multi-Sectoral Team
The newly constituted IYSRT 2027 committee brings together a diverse coalition of stakeholders to drive the national agenda. It includes representatives from Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Academia, Women and Youth in Tourism, Persons with Disabilities, and the Private sector.
This multi-sectoral composition is designed to drive responsible investment, innovation, climate resilience, and inclusive development across the entire tourism value chain, ensuring that the IYSRT 2027 agenda is not confined to boardrooms but is felt at the grassroots level.
From Victoria Falls to the World Stage
Zimbabwe’s preparations for 2027 build on a major continental milestone: the country’s successful hosting of the 23rd UN Tourism Committee on Tourism and Sustainability meeting in Victoria Falls in April 2026. It was at this prestigious global gathering that the IYSRT 2027 global logo was officially unveiled by UN Tourism.
The launch of the National Committee in Harare signals Zimbabwe’s intent to move from hosting the global conversation to executing a tangible, local action plan.
The country is positioning itself as a proactive leader in sustainable tourism, ready to showcase its progress to the world when the International Year officially begins.
Beyond Ceremony: Tangible Benefits for Communities
Minister Rwodzi underscored that the International Year must translate into tangible benefits beyond commemorative events.
She called for the initiative to deliver stronger tourism enterprises, environmental conservation, green infrastructure, improved destination resilience, and greater community participation.
To achieve this, the Minister advocated for innovative waste-management solutions, including converting organic waste into compost and exploring waste-to-energy opportunities.
She also emphasised creating economic opportunities for women and young people through agriculture, hospitality, and tourism-related enterprises, building on the agricultural tourism initiatives championed by the First Lady, Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, who is the Patron of Tourism.
Recognising communities as the true custodians of the country’s natural and cultural heritage, Minister Rwodzi stressed that tourism growth must deliver lasting economic, social, and environmental benefits, leaving no one and no place behind.
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