Zimbabwe Ready to Host UN Tourism Events as First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa Takes Centre Stage

VICTORIA FALLS – Zimbabwe has been declared fully prepared to host two landmark UN Tourism high-level events from 27 April to 1 May 2026, with the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Her Excellency Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, playing a starring role as Patron of the Regional Congress on Women Empowerment.

Following a three-day Preliminary Assessment Mission (1–3 April) led by UN Tourism Regional Director for Africa, Ms. Elcia Grandcourt, Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry announced that the visiting delegation expressed “satisfaction with our level of preparedness.” All facilities at the Elephant Hills Hotel in Victoria Falls meet top international standards and sustainability benchmarks, positioning Zimbabwe as an outstanding eco-friendly tourism destination.

The back-to-back events include the 23rd UN Tourism Committee on Tourism and Sustainability (CTS) Meeting (27–28 April) and the 2nd UN Tourism Regional Congress on Women Empowerment in Tourism in Africa (29 April–1 May). A pilot capacity-building workshop and a masterclass for women in tourism will also take place.

The decision to award Zimbabwe the Congress was made during the 65th UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa in Nigeria (June 2025) “in honour of the transformative and impactful programmes of the Tourism Patron, The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Her Excellency, Dr. A. Mnangagwa,” according to Permanent Secretary Dr. T. Munyanyiwa.

The Congress will be held under the theme, “Advancing from Empowerment to Leadership: Driving Structural Change in the Tourism Sector in Africa.” It aims to shift the focus from empowerment to institutional leadership, positioning women as architects shaping the future of Africa’s tourism landscape. Key pillars include policy reform, leadership pipelines, digital inclusion, and tailored financing for women across the tourism value chain.

The First Lady’s own initiatives – including gastronomy tourism, women’s market galore, farm-to-market, and the agri4She concept – were specifically cited as inspiration for the Congress. A masterclass on financial literacy, negotiation skills, and pitching will be held on the sidelines to capacitate women-led businesses.

The CTS Meeting will mark a milestone toward the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027, launching a Steering Committee in Zimbabwe to guide global implementation. A follow-up session is set for the 126th UN Tourism Executive Council in Toledo.

During the Congress, UN Tourism and the Women in Tourism Leadership Africa Committee (WITLAC) will officially launch the first Intra-Africa Mentorship Programme (2026), connecting emerging and established women leaders across the continent.

Dr. Munyanyiwa confirmed that site inspections, technical consultations, and venue assessments have all been positive. “Our goal is not only to meet expectations but to exceed them, showcasing Zimbabwe as a premier destination for tourism events in the region,” he said.

With just three weeks to go, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment under the Whole of Government Approach, working with all relevant departments and the private sector to ensure a successful hosting. “Zimbabwe stands ready to welcome both our regional and international delegates,” the Permanent Secretary concluded.