Zimbabwe Declared Ready to Host UN Tourism High-Level Events as Assessment Mission Concludes Successfully

Zimbabwe has passed a crucial readiness test for hosting two major UN Tourism events, following a three-day preliminary assessment mission that concluded today with high praise from visiting UN officials.

The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry announced that a high-level delegation from UN Tourism Headquarters in Madrid, led by Ms. Elcia Grandcourt, Regional Director for Africa, and accompanied by Ms. Rachel Monnier, Senior Project Specialist, conducted site inspections and technical consultations from 1 to 3 April 2026.

“The Assessment Mission has been both productive and encouraging,” said Dr. T. Munyanyiwa, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, in a press statement. “Throughout the Preliminary Mission, the visiting delegation expressed satisfaction with our level of preparedness.”

The events, scheduled for 27 April to 1 May 2026 at the Elephant Hills Resort Hotel in Victoria Falls, include:

>23rd UN Tourism Committee on Tourism and Sustainability (CTS) Meeting (27–28 April), a subsidiary technical body of the UN Tourism Executive Council focused on advancing sustainability.

>A CTS-linked Pilot Capacity-Building Workshop (28 April) in preparation for the International Year of Resilient and Sustainable Tourism 2027, as proclaimed by the UN General Assembly.

The 2nd UN Tourism Regional Congress on Women Empowerment in Tourism in Africa (29 April–1 May), held under the theme “Advancing from Empowerment to Leadership: Driving Structural Change in the Tourism Sector in Africa.”

A Masterclass on the sidelines of the Congress to capacitate women in the tourism value chain, covering financial literacy, negotiation skills, pitching, and elevating women-led businesses.

Dr. Munyanyiwa noted that Zimbabwe won the bid to host the Congress during the 65th UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (CAF) held in Nigeria in June 2025. The decision was made “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,” including initiatives such as gastronomy tourism, women’s market galore, farm-to-market, and the agri4She concept.

The Permanent Secretary confirmed that the delegation had reviewed the general programme, inspected designated hotels for service standards and capacity, and held detailed engagements with the venue hotel.

“Their positive assessment is a testament to the hard work, coordination and commitment demonstrated by our teams across Government and the Private sector,” he said. “Whilst we are encouraged by this positive feedback, we remain committed to further strengthening our preparations in the lead-up to 27 April 2026. Our goal is not only to meet expectations but to exceed them, showcasing Zimbabwe as a premier destination for tourism events in the region.”

The meetings align with the UN Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, National Development Strategy 2 (2026–2030), and the Ministry’s Tourism and Hospitality Industry Policy, particularly in promoting MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) tourism.

“Zimbabwe stands ready to welcome both our regional and international delegates in three weeks’ time,” Dr. Munyanyiwa concluded.