Zimbabwe Wins Top Tourism Honours at ITB Berlin 2026

Zimbabwe has received international recognition at the ITB Berlin after winning two major awards, including Destination of the Year Natural Wonders and Tourism Minister of the Year (Africa).

The ministerial award was presented to Barbara Rwodzi, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, in recognition of her efforts to promote and diversify the country’s tourism sector.

Speaking during the awards ceremony, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Hon. Rwodzi, said the honour reflects Zimbabwe’s growing visibility on the global tourism stage and acknowledges initiatives aimed at expanding tourism beyond traditional wildlife attractions.

Among the initiatives cited is Minister Rwodzi’s 12 cluster tourism diversification model, which seeks to broaden tourism offerings to include areas such as gastronomy, medical tourism, cultural heritage, sports tourism and adventure tourism.

The strategy aligns with the national development agenda under President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 programme, which aims to grow Zimbabwe’s economy and position tourism as a key contributor to national development.