Zimbabwe to Host 2026 UN Women in Tourism Congress, Elected Vice President of UN Tourism Assembly

Zimbabwe has been selected to host the Third United Nations Women in Tourism Regional Congress in 2026, following a successful bid at the 68th UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa meeting held in Nigeria.

In a second major achievement, Zimbabwe was also elected Vice President of the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly, set for November 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

These milestones reflect growing international recognition of Zimbabwe’s leadership in inclusive and sustainable tourism. The country’s efforts, led by First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, have gained acclaim through initiatives promoting women’s empowerment and rural economic development, including Gastronomy Tourism, Women’s Market Galore, and Agri4She.

The Abuja summit, attended by delegates from 51 African countries, emphasized innovation, education, and creative industries as key to boosting tourism’s social impact across Africa. Zimbabwe received the highest number of votes, ahead of countries such as Kenya, Seychelles, and South Africa.

While Africa accounts for less than five percent of global tourism revenue, Zimbabwe’s recent achievements position it as a key player in shaping the continent’s tourism future.