Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Zimbabwe

29/05/2026

His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, today officiated at the 2026 Recognition of Top Women Leadership Awards held in Harare, where women from various sectors were honoured for their exceptional leadership, patriotism, resilience and distinguished contribution towards National Development. The prestigious event celebrated Women whose dedication and service continue to transform Communities and drive Zimbabwe’s socio-economic growth in areas such as Governance, Tourism, Law, Health, Academia, Philanthropy and Community Empowerment in line with Vision 2030.

Among the top women recognised was the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Patron of Tourism Her Excellency Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, for her outstanding Humanitarian, Cultural and Tourism initiatives which continue to position Zimbabwe as a leading Cultural and Gastronomy Tourism destination. The First Lady has championed the promotion of Zimbabwean Traditional Gastronomy, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Heritage Preservation, Environmental Conservation, Rural Tourism and Community Empowerment initiatives that are transforming livelihoods across the country. Her efforts in promoting healthy traditional foods, cultural values and sustainable lifestyles have strengthened Zimbabwe’s Cultural and Heritage Tourism agenda while empowering Communities and preserving the Nation’s identity for future generations. Her remarkable contribution to Gastronomy Tourism earned her International recognition by UN Tourism as the Queen of Gastronomy Tourism in Africa. We congratulate Her Excellency Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa for her visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to Nation building.

The Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Barbara Rwodzi was also among the top women recognised for her exceptional leadership in repositioning Brand Zimbabwe and driving Tourism growth as one of the country’s key Economic pillars. Minister Rwodzi has led transformative initiatives that have elevated Zimbabwe’s global tourism profile, earning international recognition from platforms such as Forbes Magazine, Condé Nast Traveler and PATWA. Under her stewardship, Zimbabwe’s Tourism sector recorded significant growth during the first quarter of 2026, with international tourist arrivals increasing by 11% while Tourism receipts rose by 14% to approximately US$251 million. Tourism investment also surged by over 438% to nearly US$68 million, while Domestic Tourism, Cultural and Heritage Tourism Cluster initiatives continue to empower Women, Persons with Disabilities, Youths and local Communities.

Other distinguished women recognised included the Minister of Defence, Hon. Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, President of the Senate Hon. Mabel Chinomona, Chief Justice Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza, Attorney General Mrs. Virginia Mabhiza, Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo and Justice Priscilla Chigumba, among others.







👍

29/05/2026

Hearty Congratulations to our Patron of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Her Excellency The First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa and our Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon Barbara Rwodzi, for scooping prestigious accolades at the 2026 Top Women Leadership Awards by His Excellency The President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Cde Dr E.D. Mnangagwa, hosted today at State House in Harare.







👍

26/05/2026

The 6th edition of the National Amai’s Traditional Cookout Competitions transformed Kwekwe, Midlands Province, into a hub of Gastronomy Tourism as thousands gathered to witness Zimbabwe’s rich Culinary Heritage being celebrated through Traditional Cuisine and Cultural expressions. The prestigious competition attracted participants from Communities, Churches, Tertiary Institutions, Youths, Persons with Disabilities and Professional Chefs drawn from all the country’s ten provinces, reflecting the inclusive spirit of leaving no one and no place behind. Speaking during the Africa Day commemorations which were celebrated in style through the Cookout competitions, the Patron of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Her Excellency The First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, emphasized that the Government under the leadership of His Excellency The President Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, continues to implement Policies and Strategies anchored on the Heritage-Based Development Philosophy aimed at achieving an upper middle-income society by 2030. The competition showcased how Gastronomy Tourism has become a strategic pillar for Community Empowerment, Cultural Preservation, Sustainable livelihoods and Domestic Tourism growth while positioning Zimbabwe’s authentic cuisine as a unique Tourism attraction on the global stage.

Her Excellency The First Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa applauded the remarkable growth of Gastronomy Tourism since the inception of the Cookout Competitions in 2019, noting that what started with Chiefs’ wives has now expanded to include Men, Women, Youths, Students, Persons with Disabilities, Inmates, Churches and Professional Chefs from across the country. She highlighted the growing global demand for Zimbabwean traditional dishes such as madora, harurwa, matemba, mapfura wine and the popular “Seven Days Beer,” which continue to attract International attention during various global Tourism platforms. In recognition of her outstanding efforts in promoting Gastronomy Tourism and Culinary Heritage, the United Nations Tourism honoured Her Excellency with the prestigious title of “Queen of Gastronomy Tourism in Africa,” a recognition that continues to elevate Zimbabwe’s profile as a leading Gastronomy Tourism Destination on the continent. The competition further reinforced Zimbabwe’s growing tourism momentum which has seen the country being named among the best destinations to visit globally by Forbes Magazine, PATWA and Condé Nast Traveler Magazine, while Tourism arrivals, Domestic Tourism trips and Investments continue to register significant growth, strengthening the sector’s contribution towards Vision 2030.


'sTraditionalCookoutCompetitions





👍

25/05/2026

Happy Africa Day! Experience a rich taste of Zimbabwe, our Culture and our Heritage at
The National Finals of the 2026 Amais Traditional Cookout Competitions at Mbizo Stadium, Kwekwe in Midlands Province!
An initiative by the Patron of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Her Excellency The First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.








👍

24/05/2026

Highlights from the Mbira Festival at Baradzanwa Cultural Village in Mazowe.







👍

24/05/2026

The Culture and Heritage Tourism Cluster was prominently showcased at Baradzanwa Cultural Village in Mazowe, as the Patron of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Culture and Heritage Ambassador Her Excellency The First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa officiated at the Mbira Festival and launched the Mbira Virtuous publication, an initiative during the ongoing Culture Month commemorations. The festival, held barely a few months after the launch of the transformative “Nhaka Yedu, Ilifa Lethu, Our Heritage” campaign reflected Zimbabwe’s growing drive to preserve and promote its rich Cultural Heritage while positioning Tourism as a key pillar for Economic Growth and Community Empowerment. Rooted in the Heritage-Based philosophy championed under the leadership of His Excellency The President Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, the event celebrated the Mbira as a musical instrument, as well as heartbeat of the Nation and a sacred symbol of Zimbabwean Spirituality, Identity and Cultural expression.

The event highlighted the collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry and the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture in preserving and promoting Zimbabwe’s treasured Mbira Heritage through a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society Approach championed by the Second Republic. As Zimbabwe continues repositioning Culture as a source of National Pride, Identity and Economic Empowerment, the Tourism sector continues to register notable growth, with International tourist arrivals increasing by 11 % during the first quarter of this year, while Domestic Tourism trips rose by 35% These positive developments demonstrate the important role Tourism continues to play in National Economic Development. The Mbira Festival also highlighted the immense Tourism and Business potential embedded within Zimbabwe’s Cultural and Creative Industries, from Instrument production, Performances, Festivals and Crafts to Hospitality services and Cultural Tourism experiences.

The Festival further underscored the importance of safeguarding Indigenous Knowledge Systems through Intergenerational Knowledge transfer and the involvement of traditional leaders as custodians of Culture and Heritage. Calls were also made to institutionalise the festival as an annual National event bringing together Communities, Artists, Businesses and Tourists from across the world, while leveraging Zimbabwe’s Culture as a competitive Economic asset capable of driving Job creation, Youth Empowerment, Community Development and Sustainable Tourism growth towards the attainment of Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy 2.








👍

24/05/2026

23/05/2026

In 2024, the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry through the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Albatros Golf during the Sterling Hotel International Pairs Golf Tournament to promote Sports Tourism in Zimbabwe. Building on this partnership, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Barbara Rwodzi, officiated at the launch of the 2026 International Pairs Golf Tournament at the Sterling Hub in Harare under the theme “Experience Zimbabwe, One Fairway at a Time.” The event highlighted the rapid growth of Sports Tourism as a key Economic sector driving clustered Tourism growth and contributing towards His Excellency The President Cde.Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 of an upper middle-income status and Heritage-Based Economy
Minister Rwodzi described Sports Tourism as a powerful tool for Soft Diplomacy, noting that through golf Zimbabwe continues to carry its flag high while showcasing its rich Culture, Gastronomy, Hospitality and Tourism endowments to the world. She applauded the partnership for embracing a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society Approach in advancing Tourism through Sport, while encouraging organizers to bid for future editions of the Tournament to be hosted in Zimbabwe so that International Tourists can come and witness the country’s unique attractions and experiences firsthand. The National finals are scheduled for 22 August 2026 in Harare, with the winning pair set to represent Zimbabwe in Spain, further taking Zimbabwean Culture, Heritage and identity onto the global stage through Sports Tourism.







👍

22/05/2026

The Culture and Heritage Tourism Cluster came alive at Barbourfields Stadium as the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa officially launched the 2026 National Culture Month commemorations under the theme “Creativity and Diversity: Advancing Vision 2030 through Cultural Expressions.” The commemorations highlighted the growing importance of Culture and Heritage Tourism in advancing socio-economic development, promoting Destination Zimbabwe and empowering Communities through Creative Industries and Cultural Preservation. In his keynote address, the President applauded Zimbabweans, including those in the Diaspora, for establishing Community-Based Tourism products that advance the country’s Heritage and traditional Cuisines, noting that Culture is good for business and remains a key pillar for Tourism growth, Investment and Cultural exports. The President also commended Gastronomy Tourism, an initiative being championed by the Patron of Tourism, Her Excellency Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, applauding Zimbabwean Chefs and culinary experts who transform the rich produce from the country’s land into authentic Indigenous Gastronomy that feeds, nourishes and showcases the Nation’s rich Cultural Heritage to the world. He further underscored that through Cultural Tourism and the Creative Industries, Zimbabwe will continue projecting itself to the world as a confident, modernising and industrialising Nation anchored on its rich Heritage and diverse Cultural expressions.

As Culture Month celebrations continue to gather momentum, all roads now lead to the highly anticipated Mbira Festival tomorrow, the 23rd of May 2026, at Baradzanwa Cultural Village, where the timeless sounds of the Mbira will connect generations and celebrate the heartbeat of Zimbabwean Culture. Organised through the Whole of Government Approach by the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture through the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry through the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, the festival is expected to deliver electrifying performances by renowned mbira artistes while showcasing the growing importance of Cultural Tourism in preserving Heritage and attracting Tourists. The celebrations will culminate with the National Finals of the Amai’s Traditional Cookout Competitions scheduled for the 25th of May 2026 in Mbizo, Kwekwe, where Zimbabwe’s rich Gastronomy Heritage, traditional Cuisines and Culinary Creativity will take centre stage as key components of Gastronomy Tourism. Together, these events continue to position Zimbabwe as a vibrant Cultural Tourism destination where Tourists can experience the rhythm of Zimbabwe, the sound of our Heritage and the heartbeat of our Culture.







👍

21/05/2026

The pots are boiling, the fires are burning and Zimbabwe’s finest Cooks are ready for the ultimate showdown! The National Finals of the 2026 Amai’s Traditional Cookout Competitions are coming to Mbizo, Kwekwe in Midlands Province on the 25th of May 2026!

Contestants from all the 10 provinces in the categories of Community, Professional Chefs, Tertiary Students, Churches and Persons with Disabilities will battle it out in a celebration of Culture, Heritage and Traditional Cuisine. An initiative by the Patron of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Her Excellency The First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.

Come and experience the taste of Zimbabwe, our Culture and our Heritage. See you there!

'sTraditionalCookoutCompetitions





👍