Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Zimbabwe

23/08/2026

Sports Tourism is turning Zimbabwe’s fairways into platforms for Destination discovery, Domestic travel and International visibility, with Golf emerging as a high-value niche that connects sporting excellence with Hospitality and unique Tourist experiences. The Country Club in Harare hosted the 3rd edition of the Sterling Group International Pairs Golf National Final, organised by Albatross Golf Safaris in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry through the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority under the theme “Experience Zimbabwe – One Fairway at a Time.” The 2026 edition drew around 1 550 participants through qualifiers at 28 clubs nationwide.

Rotating the national final across provinces aligns with the Government’s Devolution Agenda by taking Tourism events and their associated economic benefits to different parts of the country. This expands opportunities for Accommodation, Transport, Restaurants and other Tourism services while driving Domestic Tourism. Aligned with Vision 2030 and NDS2 2026–2030, the event demonstrates how Sports Tourism can develop high-value experiences and strengthen destination economies. The Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Tongai Mafidi Mnangagwa, noted that such events go beyond sport by creating platforms to tell the Zimbabwe story to Regional and Global audiences. Zimbabwe’s representatives will carry that story to the International Pairs World Finals in Tenerife, Spain, promoting Destination Zimbabwe and strengthening the country’s case for hosting future global editions.






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21/08/2026

From the roar of Victoria Falls to the global spotlight, Mercedes-Benz is driving Zimbabwe’s Tourism story to the world through its prestigious “140 Years. 140 Places” expedition. The 21-member International expedition team, drawn from Germany, Austria, the United Kingdom and South Africa, crossed the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge today, capturing the landmark as part of a global journey celebrating 140 years of Mercedes-Benz heritage, mobility and discovery. The journey also featured the Big Tree and the historic Victoria Falls Hotel, showcasing Zimbabwe’s Natural and Heritage Tourism assets.

Representing the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Barbara Rwodzi, the Deputy Minister Hon Tongai Mnangagwa, accompanied by Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Chief Executive Officer Dr George Manyaya, described the expedition as a powerful destination marketing opportunity for Zimbabwe. Beyond the visibility generated by a globally recognised brand, the initiative strategically presents Victoria Falls as a destination where Nature, History, Adventure, Heritage and authentic Cultural experiences converge, creating compelling International content that will influence destination awareness and travel interest. By featuring Zimbabwe in a prestigious global expedition, Mercedes-Benz is helping amplify the country’s Tourism narrative to audiences beyond traditional markets and reinforcing Victoria Falls as a world-class gateway to the Zimbabwean experience.

#140 Years
#140 Places

Zimbabwe




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17/08/2026

In line with His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr E.D. Mnangagwa’s Devolution Agenda of “leaving no one and no place behind,” preparations for the 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo are underway in Masvingo. Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Hon Barbara Rwodzi, together with Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Hon Ezra Chadzamira, toured the Gymkhana Tourism Park, Masvingo Airport and the Great Zimbabwe Visitor Centre to assess progress. The decision to devolve Sanganai to different cities aligns with Vision 2030 and the economic transformation thrust under NDS2, ensuring the Tourism Expo drives Tourism Infrastructure, Investment and economic opportunities across provinces. The 19th edition will begin with the September Sports Tourism Carnival from 1–4 September, followed by the Street Carnival on 5 September, ahead of the main Expo from 9–12 September 2026, with Masvingo’s rich heritage, particularly the iconic Great Zimbabwe, providing a distinctive backdrop.

Works at the Gymkhana Tourism Park are about 80 percent complete, with the facility set to include a Restaurant, Bar, Gastronomy Hub, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority offices and Mini-Stadium. A Conference Centre is planned as a future development after Sanganai, further enhancing the Gymkhana Tourism Park’s capacity to host major Tourism and events activities in Masvingo. The refurbishment of Masvingo Airport, alongside road improvements and upgrades to the Expo site, will strengthen connectivity and leave infrastructure capable of supporting Tourism beyond the event. So far, 270 Exhibitors have registered, with 450 expected to participate, while current registrations include 129 International and 44 local buyers, with participation continuing to build. The Great Zimbabwe Visitor Centre will host the welcome cocktail, providing International Tourism players with an opportunity to experience Masvingo and connect with local operators. Minister Rwodzi emphasised the province’s strategic position along the regional Cape-to-Cairo corridor and the opportunity to unlock investment in five-star Accommodation, Conference facilities, Restaurants, Lodges and other Tourism products. With Australia participating in Sanganai for the first time following Zimbabwe’s Tourism roadshow, alongside increased Indian tourists to destinations showcased at the previous Expo in the Eastern Highlands, the devolved model is strengthening the link between International market exposure, Tourist growth, Investment and Sustainable opportunities for local communities.

In attendance was also the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Tongai Mnangagwa, Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Hospitality Industry Dr Takaruza Munyanyiwa, Permanent Secretary for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Mr Pazvakavambwa, representatives from Masvingo City Council and other key stakeholders, reinforcing a Whole-of-Government and stakeholder approach to delivering the Expo and maximising its long-term Tourism and Economic benefits.

/HlangananiDzimbahweTourismExpo





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10/08/2026

Celebrating our Heroes!!

10/08/2026

08/08/2026

Zimbabwe’s rich Culinary Heritage is increasingly becoming a distinctive thread in the country’s Tourism story, with the Culture and Heritage Cluster advancing Gastronomy Tourism by translating indigenous foods, traditions and knowledge systems into meaningful experiences through the stewardship of the Patron of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa. At the Boys and Girls Mentorship Camp in scenic Nyanga, Dr Mnangagwa officiated the Nyanga Junior Cookout Competitions, bringing together learners from all 10 provinces to showcase Zimbabwean mouthwatering dishes and beverages, including sadza rezviyo, road-runner chicken, haifiridzi, nhopi and mawuyu juice. The initiative is in line with the newly approved Zimbabwe National Gastronomy Tourism Strategy (2026–2030) by Cabinet, particularly its focus on Culture and Heritage Preservation, Skills Development, Research and Innovation, and developing authentic culinary experiences that safeguard indigenous dishes and traditional food knowledge. Complementing the cookout, the Nhanga/Gota/Ixhiba programme was conducted as a dedicated platform for passing on cherished cultural values, life skills and traditions, reinforcing the National Gastronomy Tourism Strategy’s commitment to safeguarding indigenous knowledge. The First Lady’s contribution to promoting and preserving Zimbabwe’s Culinary Heritage has attracted international recognition, including honours from UN Tourism and UNESCO, as well as recognition as Africa’s Queen of Gastronomy.

Domestic Tourism was also advanced as the learners spent four days experiencing Nyanga, gaining first-hand exposure to its scenic landscapes, Tourism attractions and distinctive cultural environment while interacting with peers from across the country. This complements the National Gastronomy Tourism Strategy’s thrust to integrate food, culture and community experiences into Tourism, demonstrating how cuisine can become a gateway to discovering places and their stories. By bringing learners from all 10 provinces together in one of Zimbabwe’s key Tourism destinations, the mentorship camp encouraged young people to explore the country beyond their home provinces, reinforcing a culture of domestic travel while nurturing pride in Zimbabwe’s identity and diverse Tourism offering.







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07/08/2026

Spain, one of Zimbabwe’s top three international Tourism source markets, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Tourism Cooperation with Zimbabwe as the two countries intensify efforts to leverage the sector as a catalyst for Sustainable Economic growth, stronger Bilateral relations and increased people-to-people exchanges. During a courtesy call on the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Barbara Rwodzi, the Ambassador of Spain to Zimbabwe Her Excellency Lourdes Sangroniz, commended Zimbabwe’s impressive Tourism performance and applauded the country’s diversified Tourism products, particularly the KAZA UniVisa and the Gastronomy Tourism initiative under the Patronage of the First Lady Her Excellency Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, as strategic drivers of Sustainable destination development and Regional Tourism integration.

Minister Rwodzi reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to deepening Tourism Partnerships with Spain, in Destination management, Hospitality, Gastronomy and Tourism Education , stressing that the sector remains a strategic pillar under National Development Strategy 2. She called for the signing of the concluded Tourism Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen Destination Marketing, Investment Promotion, Technical Cooperation, Information exchange and Skills Development , while enabling stronger collaboration between Zimbabwean and Spanish Tour Operators to increase Tourist arrivals reciprocally. The Minister highlighted Zimbabwe’s clustered Tourism strategy, which has diversified the sector beyond Nature and Wildlife into Gastronomy, Religious and Sports Tourism, with Gastronomy advancing Soft Diplomacy and International relations. She also highlighted Zimbabwe’s benchmark study visit to the Basque Culinary Centre to support the establishment of the Africa International Academy for Culinary Arts and invited Spain to participate in the upcoming Sanganayi/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe World Tourism Expo in Masvingo from 9 to 12 September 2026.







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05/08/2026

Rising Japanese Tourist Arrivals to Zimbabwe from 10 692 in 2024 to 15 704 in 2025, reflect the expanding Tourism Cooperation between Zimbabwe and Japan. The Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe His Excellency Maekawa Nobutaka, today paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Barbara Rwodzi, where they discussed Tourism Promotion, Investment, Capacity Building, Destination Marketing and Technical Cooperation under the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Japan Tourism Agency in July 2025. Ambassador Maekawa congratulated Zimbabwe on its Tourism accolades and commended its participation at Expo 2025 Osaka, where the Zimbabwe Pavilion attracted approximately 4 000 visitors daily, was popular with Japanese visitors and generated strong interest in Victoria Falls. He also applauded the just recent Zimbabwe Tourism Promotion Workshop attended by 25 Japanese Tour Operators, encouraged the promotion of Mana Pools and Matopo Hills, invited Zimbabwe to showcase its Tourism products on Japanese television and pledged Japan’s support through the deployment of Japanese volunteers.

Minister Rwodzi welcomed the engagement and invited the Japanese Embassy to participate in the forthcoming Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe World Tourism Expo. She appreciated the support being provided through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in advancing development projects in Zimbabwe and welcomed further collaboration through JICA and Japanese volunteers in providing translation and interpretation services, Cultural Exchange and Tourism Promotion support. The Minister reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to increasing Tourist Arrivals, promoting Tourism Investment and deepening Tourism Cooperation with Japan in line with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2.







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04/08/2026

Following Cabinet’s approval in April 2026 of the Public-Private Partnership, Zimbabwe’s drive to expand Tourism Investment gained fresh momentum with the signing of a US$66.9 million Commercial Joint Venture Agreement between Mosi Oa Tunya Development Company (Private) Limited, a development company under the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, and Victoria Seven Investments (Private) Limited under the J.R. Goddard Consortium for the development of bulk infrastructure at Lot 1 of Jafuta Estate in the 271-hectare Masuwe Special Economic Zone, Victoria Falls. The project will deliver water and sewer reticulation, electricity distribution and telecommunications infrastructure, laying the foundation for world-class Tourism Infrastructure while unlocking large-scale investment in hotels, villas, chalets, lodges, holiday homes, a golf estate, commercial and financial precincts, medical facilities, a Tourism Academy and the under-construction International Multi-purpose Cricket Stadium. The landmark development advances His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 of an upper-middle-income society and aligns with the National Development Strategy 2 through Sustainable Tourism Investment.

Officiating at the signing ceremony on behalf of the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Barbara Rwodzi, the Deputy Minister Hon Tongai Mafidi Mnangagwa described the development as a transformative investment that positions Tourism as a catalyst for infrastructure development, economic growth and job creation through Public-Private Partnerships. He said the complementary investments will create an integrated Tourism ecosystem that enhances Victoria Falls’ competitiveness as a premier destination, while the signing marks the realisation of a vision conceived in 2012 for the Masuwe Special Economic Zone. Through Mosi Oa Tunya Development Company, Government is leveraging land equity to unlock private sector investment that will strengthen Zimbabwe’s Tourism Infrastructure and Investment Landscape, elevate Tourist experiences, stimulate inclusive Economic growth and further position Victoria Falls as a leading high-value Tourism and Investment destination.






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03/08/2026

Religious Tourism continues to emerge as a key driver of Zimbabwe’s Heritage-Based Tourism Economy, with the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) Golden Jubilee celebrations at Defe in Gokwe demonstrating how faith-based gatherings are stimulating the Economy , preserving Cultural Heritage and creating opportunities for Inclusive Community development. The celebrations featured the Amai’s Traditional Cookout Competitions, an initiative pioneered by the Tourism Patron the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, which brought together Youths, Women and Persons with Disabilities, to showcase Indigenous foods and beverages including mabumbe, manyenya, nyii and mawuyu juice.

Addressing the gathering the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Barbara Rwodzi said the programme is advancing His Excellency The President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 of attaining an upper middle-income economy by leaving no one and no place behind, while contributing to the aspirations of the African Union Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. She said the collaboration between Government and the Church demonstrates the important role of the Religious Tourism and Culture and Heritage Clusters in transforming Zimbabwe’s heritage into economic opportunities, with the Tourism sector recording an 11 percent increase in International Tourist arrivals during the first quarter of 2026.

Minister Rwodzi commended the First Lady for positioning Gastronomy Tourism as a flagship Tourism product under “Nhaka Yedu, Ilifa Lethu – Our Heritage,” encouraging Zimbabweans to take pride in their Indigenous Cuisine and offer Tourists authentic Culinary experiences rooted in the country’s identity. She said showcasing traditional foods and beverages creates opportunities for temporary restaurants, supports community enterprises and empowers women, youths and persons with disabilities to generate sustainable livelihoods. The Minister also applauded the First Lady for the International Recognition she has received from UN Tourism for advancing Gastronomy Tourism, saying Zimbabwe continues to leverage its Culinary Heritage as an effective instrument of Soft Diplomacy , strengthening the country’s global tourism profile while reinforcing its foreign policy of being “A Friend to All and an Enemy to None.”









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