Victoria Falls Hosts 23rd UN Tourism Summit Focused on Sustainability and Inclusion

Victoria Falls — Zimbabwe’s premier tourism destination is in the global spotlight this week as it hosts the 23rd UN Tourism Summit, which began on Monday and will run through the weekend.

The high-level gathering has drawn delegates from across the world, positioning Victoria Falls as a key hub for international tourism dialogue. Newly appointed UN Tourism Secretary-General, Shaikha Al Nowais, arrived in the resort city on Sunday and was welcomed by the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi. Her visit marks the beginning of a series of strategic engagements aimed at redefining global tourism through sustainability and inclusivity.

Delegates have already begun participating in key sessions, including the Meeting of the Committee on Tourism and Sustainability. Discussions have centered on preparations for the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027, as well as the development of a roadmap to guide the initiative.

Emerging themes at the summit include regenerative tourism, with participants exploring innovative practices and their potential to strengthen sustainable and resilient tourism development worldwide.

Victoria Falls continues to solidify its reputation as Zimbabwe’s tourism capital and a leading destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism — a sector the government is actively promoting. Its strategic location at the crossroads of regional and international travel routes enhances its appeal as a global events destination.

The city’s growing prominence has earned it international acclaim, including recognition by Forbes Magazine as one of the world’s top travel destinations last year.

This marks the second time Victoria Falls is hosting a major UN Tourism event, following the successful Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism in 2024 — the first of its kind — which underscored Zimbabwe’s increasing influence in shaping global tourism conversations.

The summit will also highlight gender empowerment, with the First  Auxilia Mnangagwa expected to officiate at the Second African Conference on Empowering Women in Tourism Businesses on April 29.

The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2027 as the International Year of Resilience and Sustainable Tourism, a move expected to further drive global efforts toward environmentally conscious and inclusive travel.

Victoria Falls’ commitment to sustainability is evident in its alignment with conservation-focused policies and controlled urban development. The city was recently designated a “Wetland City,” in recognition of its efforts to preserve its unique natural environment.

As the summit continues, stakeholders are optimistic that the outcomes will contribute significantly to shaping a more sustainable and resilient future for global tourism.