Zimbabwe’s Tourism Drive Pays Off with Double Global Win at ITB Berlin 2026

By the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Zimbabwe’s aggressive global tourism push has delivered a major international breakthrough after the country clinched two prestigious accolades at the ITB Berlin 2026 PATWA Awards in Germany.

At one of the world’s largest travel trade platforms, Zimbabwe was crowned Destination of the Year – Natural Wonders, while Honourable Barbara Rwodzi (left on photo below) was named Tourism Minister of the Year – Africa, marking a defining milestone in the country’s tourism resurgence.

The awards are a strong endorsement of the tourism growth strategy under President Emmerson Mnangagwa, whose Vision 2030 agenda positions the scetor as a key pillar in driving economic transformation.

President Mnangagwa officially launched Zimbabwe’s Tourism and Hospitality Industry Policy (2025-2030) on August 4, 2025, aimed at transforming the sector into a US$5 billion industry.

This fuve-year framework focuses on sustainable, heritage-based tourism, targeting US$10 billion in revenue by 2030 through enhanced investment, improved, air connectivity, and community empowerment.

The policy aims to position Zimbabwe as a premier global destination, promoting inclusive growth that leaves no one behind.

It seeks to increase tourism’s contribution to the GDP, with a long-term goal of reaching a US$10 billion tourism economy by 2030.

The strategy is built on sustainability, innovation, and eco-friendly practices.

Key focus areas include improved infrastructure, enhanced marketing, and strengthening conservation efforts.

The policy is designed to boost foreign currency earnings, create jobs, and attract investment into the tourism sector.

It aligns with the government’s Vision 2030 to create an upper-middle-income economy, with tourism acting as a critical growth driver alongside agriculture and mining.

Anchored by the iconic Victoria Falls and supported by vast protected wilderness covering nearly 30 percent of the country, Zimbabwe continues to distinguish itself through authentic, uncrowded and high-quality visitor experiences.

Flagship attractions such as Hwange National Park, Mana Pools National Park, Gonarezhou National Park, Matobo Hills, Chinhoyi Caves and Great Zimbabwe, combined with internationally respected safari guiding standards, reinforce the country’s premium destination status.

Minister Rwodzi’s recognition reflects bold reforms, including a 12-cluster tourism diversification strategy expanding into gastronomy, medical, cultural, sports and adventure tourism. Zimbabwe’s successful hosting of the inaugural UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa further elevated its continental leadership credentials.

The momentum is being reinforced by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and its new chief executive Dr George Manyaya as its decisive approach and compliance drive is already gradually but surely reshaping the sector.

A nationwide blitz targeting unregistered facilities, running until 15 March, saw more than 35 facilities closed within two days, signalling a firm commitment to quality assurance, visitor safety and fair competition.

Industry experts say the enforcement push strengthens investor confidence and protects Zimbabwe’s global brand at a time when international visibility is rising.

With endorsements including recognition by Forbes as a must-visit destination, Zimbabwe’s tourism growth trajectory is gaining undeniable traction.

The double triumph at ITB Berlin confirms that Zimbabwe’s tourism strategy is yielding results — pairing aggressive global marketing with strong governance at home and positioning the country as an award-winning, investment-ready and world-class tourism destination.