Zimbabwe Takes Centre Stage at Global Tourism Economy Forum
Zimbabwe was invited as Guest of Honour at the 11th Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF), held in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China, marking a significant moment for the country’s international tourism engagement.
The high-level forum, convened under the theme “New Quality Productive Forces: Powering the Global Tourism Economy,” brought together UN Tourism leadership, tourism ministers, policymakers and industry leaders from more than 30 countries.
Discussions focused on sustainable tourism growth, innovation and global collaboration at a time when the sector is increasingly seen as a driver of economic transformation.
Zimbabwe presents heritage-based tourism strategy
Speaking during a panel discussion, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon Barbara Rwodzi, outlined Zimbabwe’s heritage-based tourism strategy, which places communities at the centre of tourism development.
She said local communities are the custodians of the country’s culture, heritage, flora and fauna, and must play a leading role in shaping tourism products that are both sustainable and inclusive.
The minister highlighted the growing importance of rural and gastronomy tourism, describing them as key pillars for rural industrialisation, job creation and sustainable livelihoods.
She explained that Zimbabwe is promoting an integrated farm-to-market value chain, linking local farmers and producers to hotels, restaurants and airlines, ensuring that tourism directly benefits rural economies.
Leadership in gastronomy tourism
Zimbabwe’s position in this area has been strengthened by its milestone achievement as the first African country to host the UN Tourism Gastronomy Tourism Forum. The event was held in honour of Her Excellency, the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, the Patron of Tourism.
According to the minister, the forum reinforced community participation across the tourism value chain and showcased Zimbabwe’s approach to inclusive tourism development rooted in local culture and cuisine.
Zimbabwe Takes Centre Stage as it targets the Chinese outbound tourism market
Hon Rwodzi also reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to expanding its presence in the Chinese outbound tourism market.
She said the country is focusing on developing China-ready tourism products, strengthening market representation in China and Hong Kong, and building strategic partnerships to attract more visitors from Asia.
The forum underscored tourism’s growing role as a catalyst for inclusive development and economic growth, particularly for emerging destinations seeking to diversify their economies.
The Global Tourism Economy Forum
The Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) is an annual international platform dedicated to promoting dialogue, cooperation and innovation in global tourism.
It is supported by UN Tourism and brings together governments, international organisations and private sector leaders to discuss trends shaping the future of the tourism economy.
Since its launch, the forum has focused on policy coordination, sustainable development and cross-border collaboration, positioning tourism as a key contributor to global economic recovery and long-term growth.
Zimbabwe’s Guest of Honour status at the 11th edition signals growing international recognition of its tourism strategy and its ambition to play a more prominent role in the global tourism economy.