Staff Writer 
ZIMBABWE clinched two prestigious global accolades at ITB Berlin 2026, affirming its status as a premier travel destination.
The southern African nation walked away with Destination of the Year – Natural Wonders and Tourism minister of the Year – Africa, awarded to minister Barbara Rwodzi at the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) Awards held on the sidelines of the event in Germany.
The recognition comes as Zimbabwe accelerates its tourism growth trajectory under the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, whose development thrust has positioned tourism as a key pillar in achieving Vision 2030 and transforming the country into an upper-middle-income economy.
Zimbabwe was honoured for its exceptional natural assets, conservation leadership, and authentic visitor experiences.
Anchored by the majestic Victoria Falls—the world’s largest curtain of falling water stretching 1 708 metres wide and plunging 108 metres into the Zambezi Gorge—the country continued to captivate global travellers seeking raw, untamed beauty.
Nearly 30 percent of Zimbabwe’s landmass is protected wilderness, offering pristine ecosystems and unmatched safari experiences.
Among its flagship natural attractions are Hwange National Park, renowned for its vast elephant herds; Mana Pools National Park, famous for exclusive walking and canoe safaris; Gonarezhou National Park, home to dramatic red sandstone cliffs; Matobo Hills, celebrated for balancing granite rock formations and rich cultural heritage; the mist-covered Eastern Highlands; and the striking deep-blue limestone system of Chinhoyi Caves.
Complementing its natural beauty are the ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe, a Unesco World Heritage Site symbolising the country’s rich civilisation history.
Zimbabwe’s rigorous professional safari guiding standards—considered among the most demanding in Africa—further elevate the visitor experience, ensuring safety, exclusivity, and immersive storytelling.
Rwodzi was recognised for transformative leadership and bold innovation within Zimbabwe’s tourism sector.
Under her stewardship, and with strong support from the Patron of Tourism, First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe successfully hosted the inaugural UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa in Victoria Falls.
The landmark event drew delegates from 33 countries, positioning Zimbabwe as a continental leader in gastronomy tourism.
The initiative has since translated into nationwide gastronomy competitions empowering women, youth, and persons with disabilities, enabling community-based economic participation and enterprise development.
Rwodzi also introduced an innovative 12-cluster tourism diversification model aligned with Vision 2030, expanding tourism beyond wildlife to include gastronomy, medical, cultural, sports, and adventure tourism.
Through active participation at highlevel forums such as ITB Berlin, Zimbabwe has amplified its international visibility.
The efforts complement the Second Republic’s re-engagement policy, restoring investor confidence.
The Minister had further championed heritage preservation and the promotion of national fabric, deepening community pride.
In support of national devolution, she decentralised the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, ensuring growth benefits communities nationwide.
She is accompanied at ITB Berlin by Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Germany, Alice Mashingaidze, and the Chief Executive of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, George Manyaya, underscoring a coordinated push to consolidate Zimbabwe’s presence in the European market.
