67th Meeting of the United Nations Tourism Regional Commission for Africa

The 67th Meeting of the United Nations Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (CAF) is currently underway in Livingstone, Zambia.The CAF serves as a platform for African Member States to discuss and coordinate efforts aimed at promoting Sustainable Tourism Development across the continent.

The Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Barbara Rwodzi is leading the Zimbabwe delegation and she had an opportunity to present at this Forum. She articulated that Zimbabwe’s commitment is on advancing its tourism sector and enhancing the human resources as they are prioritizing capacity building and training.

She also announced the upcoming launch of the International Tourism Academy for Culinary Arts in collaboration with the UN Tourism. She appreciated the support of the Secretary General of UN Tourism Mr Zurab Pololikashvili on behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe in this initiative. The Academy will cater students from across the continent at large.

Additionally, the Minister extended a warm invitation to all to participate in the inaugural Gastronomy Forum, graciously hosted under the auspices of The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, who is the Zimbabwe Patron of Tourism. The First Lady has worked hard since 2019 through the Cookout Competitions in the whole country every year in a bid to restore and preserve the culture of Zimbabwe and today she is being rewarded by the UN Tourism for her critical contribution to the grow and promotion of Gastronomy Tourism in the Region and the continent.

Minister Rwodzi reiterated that Zimbabwe will keep on its focus in promoting the Domestic Tourism as it has a huge potential for the growth of the Tourism Industry in the country particularly through Gastronomy Tourism value chains and Rural Tourism that is giving knowledge about Tourism to the society. She finally acknowledged the UN Tourism again for the tremendous support it is providing to Zimbabwe.