LONDON — Zimbabwe's tourism success is measured not by international and domestic tourist arrivals, but by the sector's contribution to GDP and, more importantly, its tangible socio-economic impact in transforming the livelihoods of communities, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi has said.
Speaking at the Ministers' Summit 2026 during the World Travel Market, held under the theme "Strengthening Tourism for a Resilient and Regenerative Future," the Minister emphasised that communities are the custodians of the rich heritage that Zimbabwe showcases to the world.
Communities at the centre
Minister Rwodzi underscored the importance of tourism in transforming the livelihoods of ordinary and marginalised Zimbabweans who are part of the tourism value chain.
She said it is critical to ensure that they meaningfully benefit from the sector's growth and that this translates into improved livelihoods and the attainment of upper-middle-income society status by 2030, in line with President Emmerson Mnangagwa's vision.
Climate-resilient tourism
The Minister reaffirmed Zimbabwe's commitment to climate-resilient tourism, welcoming the launch of the official logo for the 2027 International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism at the 23rd UN Tourism Meeting in Victoria Falls in April 2026.
She reiterated Zimbabwe's foreign policy principle, "A friend to all and an enemy to none," underscoring the importance of peace, stability, and international cooperation in tourism development.
Water security and wildlife
Highlighting the effects of climate change and drought on wildlife, biodiversity, and tourism infrastructure, she called for collective action and sustainable water solutions.
She acknowledged Government's dam construction programme under President Mnangagwa as critical to strengthening water security and sustaining wildlife and conservancies.
Gastronomy and connectivity
Minister Rwodzi recognised First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, Patron of Tourism, for championing traditional cuisine, which has helped position Zimbabwe as host of the inaugural UN Tourism continental gastronomy conference.
She also highlighted Air Zimbabwe's direct Harare-London service as a boost to connectivity and an opportunity to showcase Zimbabwean cuisine.
Tourism's GDP contribution
The Minister noted that tourism accounts for 10 percent of national GDP, adding that the sector can sustain the country's GDP when other sectors face challenges.
She cited 2024, when minerals were affected by the global price crisis and agriculture was heavily affected by climate change, while the tourism industry remained resilient.
UN Tourism priorities
UN Tourism's Secretary-General welcomed the Minister's contribution and highlighted tourism intelligence, data sharing, and standardised analytics as priorities for measuring tourism's true economic and social impact across member states.
