Zimbabwe shines  in Germany

STAFF WRITER

Zimbabwe has once again asserted its status as a premier global tourism destination, clinching two major accolades at the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) Awards, held on the sidelines of ITB Berlin 2026 in Germany.

The Southern African nation walked away with Destination of the Year – Natural Wonders and Tourism Minister of the Year – Africa, awarded to Honourable Minister Barbara Rwodzi.

The recognition underscores Zimbabwe’s accelerating tourism growth under the leadership of His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa, whose development agenda positions tourism as a cornerstone of Vision 2030, aimed at transforming the country into an upper-middle-income economy.

Zimbabwe was lauded for its exceptional natural assets, conservation leadership, and authentic visitor experiences. Anchored by the iconic Victoria Falls—the world’s largest curtain of falling water, stretching 1,708 metres wide and plunging 108 metres into the Zambezi Gorge—the country continues to captivate global travellers seeking raw, untamed beauty.

Nearly 30% of Zimbabwe’s landmass is protected wilderness, offering pristine ecosystems and world-class safari experiences. Among its flagship natural attractions are Hwange National Park, famed for vast elephant herds and Big Five encounters; Mana Pools National Park, known for exclusive walking and canoe safaris along the Zambezi River; Gonarezhou National Park, with dramatic red sandstone cliffs and thriving elephant populations; Matobo Hills, celebrated for granite formations and rich cultural heritage; the misty Eastern Highlands; and the striking Chinhoyi Caves, a deep-blue limestone system ideal for diving and exploration.

Complementing its natural beauty are the ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site reflecting the country’s rich civilisation history. Zimbabwe’s rigorous safari guiding standards, considered among the most exacting in Africa, further enhance visitor experiences, ensuring safety, exclusivity, and immersive storytelling.

The awards affirm Zimbabwe’s positioning as “A World of Natural Wonders”—unique, uncrowded, authentic, and safe.

Honourable Minister Barbara Rwodzi was recognised for transformative leadership and bold innovation within the tourism sector. Under her stewardship, and with strong support from First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe successfully hosted the inaugural UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa in Victoria Falls. The landmark forum—the first of its kind on the continent—drew delegates from 33 countries, including ministers, UN agencies, and global tourism experts, cementing Zimbabwe’s leadership in gastronomy tourism. The initiative has since inspired nationwide gastronomy competitions, empowering women, youth, and persons with disabilities, driving community-based economic participation, poverty reduction, and enterprise development.

Minister Rwodzi also spearheaded a 12-cluster tourism diversification model aligned with Vision 2030, expanding the sector beyond wildlife to include gastronomy, medical, cultural, sports, and adventure tourism. This strategy has enhanced market segmentation, unlocked new investment opportunities, and strengthened Zimbabwe’s competitive edge across Africa.

Active participation in high-level UN tourism platforms and global events like ITB Berlin has amplified Zimbabwe’s international visibility, complementing the Second Republic’s re-engagement policy led by President Mnangagwa, which restores investor confidence and fortifies the country’s global tourism footprint.

The Minister has further championed heritage preservation, promotion of national culture, and the expansion of cultural festivals, deepening community pride while attracting travellers seeking authentic African experiences. In line with national devolution, she decentralised the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, bringing it to Mutare and other provinces, ensuring tourism growth benefits communities nationwide.

At ITB Berlin, Minister Rwodzi was joined by Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Germany and Dr George Manyaya, Chief Executive of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, demonstrating a coordinated diplomatic and marketing push to consolidate Zimbabwe’s presence in the European market.

The accolades reflect the broader tourism development agenda championed by President Mnangagwa, which prioritises infrastructure modernisation, expanded air connectivity, ease of doing business reforms, investment facilitation, and national peace and security—critical enablers in positioning Zimbabwe as a competitive African destination.

These achievements come on the heels of Zimbabwe being named by Forbes as a must-visit destination, further cementing its growing global appeal. From thundering waterfalls and vast wilderness to culinary innovation and inclusive tourism policies, Zimbabwe is charting a bold new chapter.

The double recognition at ITB Berlin 2026 is more than a celebration; it is a clear signal of Zimbabwe’s steady rise as a world-class, sustainable, and inclusive tourism destination anchored on visionary leadership.