UN Tourism and Zimbabwe Join Forces to Drive Sustainability and Women’s Leadership in Africa

VICTORIA FALLS, Zimbabwe – With just weeks to go before two landmark UN Tourism events, Zimbabwe has been declared fully ready to host the 23rd UN Tourism Committee on Tourism and Sustainability (CTS) Meeting and the 2nd UN Tourism Regional Congress on Women Empowerment in Tourism in Africa, scheduled for 27 April – 1 May 2026 at the Elephant Hills Hotel.

Following the official signing of the Hosting Agreement on the margins of ITB Berlin, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, and UN Tourism Secretary-General, Hon. Shaikha Al Nuwais, have reaffirmed their shared commitment to delivering back-to-back events that place sustainability and gender inclusion at the heart of Africa’s tourism transformation.

A preparatory mission led by Ms. Elcia Grandcourt, UN Tourism Regional Director for Africa, from 1–3 April 2026, has confirmed full operational readiness, including venues and accommodation that meet top international standards and sustainability benchmarks. “Zimbabwe stands out as an outstanding example of a top-tier eco-friendly tourism destination in Africa and beyond,” the mission concluded.

The CTS Meeting on 27–28 April will serve as a critical milestone toward the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027. High-level participation from CTS Members and Regional Commission Chairs is expected to accelerate global alignment on sustainable tourism.

A major outcome will be the launch of a Steering Committee in Zimbabwe, tasked with guiding delivery of the International Year. The committee will ensure continuity and coordination across national, regional, and global initiatives. Its first meeting will refine the implementation framework, set strategic priorities, strengthen capacity-building approaches, and consolidate Member State inputs. A follow-up session is already scheduled for the 126th UN Tourism Executive Council session in Toledo.

From 29 April to 1 May, the 2nd UN Tourism Regional Congress on Women Empowerment in Tourism in Africa will shift the focus from empowerment to institutional leadership. Held under the patronage of the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, H.E. Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, the Congress aims to catalyze policies and partnerships that elevate women into leadership and governance roles.

“The Congress will position women not only as participants, but as architects shaping the future of Africa’s tourism landscape,” UN Tourism stated. The event aligns with UN SDG 5 (Gender Equality), the UN Women Strategic Plan 2026–2029, and the UN Tourism Agenda for Africa – Tourism for Inclusive Growth.

Key thematic pillars include reforming policies to embed gender equality, building leadership pipelines through training and mentorship, accelerating digital inclusion, and unlocking finance with tailored funding for women across the tourism value chain.

A strategic highlight will be the official launch of the first Intra-Africa Mentorship Programme (2026), spearheaded by the Women in Tourism Leadership Africa Committee (WITLAC) and UN Tourism. The pilot initiative will connect emerging and established women leaders, strengthen leadership pipelines, and promote regional collaboration.

Two technical workshops will run alongside the main events. On 28 April, “Wild Potential: Unlocking Sustainability and Resilience in Nature-based Tourism” will focus on planning, managing, and promoting nature-based tourism in preparation for the 2027 International Year. On 29–30 April, “Dismantling Structural Barriers to Career Progression” will offer practical sessions on negotiation, executive presence, and institutional power mapping. Each African country has been invited to nominate one representative to participate.

UN Tourism data shows Africa’s tourism sector has built back better following the COVID-19 pandemic. The continent recorded 81 million international arrivals in 2025, an 8% increase, with receipts growing at double-digit rates compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Zimbabwe stands out as a regional success story. The country welcomed 1.6 million international arrivals in 2024, having diversified its tourism offerings to capture new segments and strengthen its destination brand. As a member of the UN Tourism Executive Council and the Committee on Tourism and Sustainability, Zimbabwe actively champions the strategic objectives of the UN Tourism Agenda for Africa.

Despite positive trends, UN Tourism has sounded a note of caution over ongoing geopolitical disruptions stemming from conflicts in the Middle East and the Gulf region. Airspace in key transport hubs, including Dubai and Doha, has been fully or partially closed since an escalation on 28 February, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and prompting widespread cancellations.

The situation is affecting tourism across the Middle East and the Gulf, with spillover effects on intercontinental routes connecting Europe with Africa and Asia. UN Tourism said it remains too early to fully assess the extent of the impacts, given the highly volatile nature of the situation. The Organization is actively engaging with ICAO, IATA, and major airlines to explore mitigation solutions.

“UN Tourism reiterates the fundamental importance of peace, safety and security as essential preconditions for the sustainable growth of tourism,” the statement read. In this context, the International Code for the Protection of Tourists (ICPT), developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to serve as a critical framework for safeguarding consumer rights and assisting international tourists in emergencies.