UN Tourism Committee on Sustainable Tourism Meeting 2026 | Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
UN Tourism Committee on Sustainable Tourism Meeting 2026 | Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
May 7, 2026
A defining moment for Africa’s Tourism trajectory unfolded in Victoria Falls as the UN Tourism Secretary-General, Her Excellency Shaikha Al Nuwais, officially opened the 23rd UN Tourism Committee on Sustainable Tourism Meeting under the theme “Advancing from Empowerment to Leadership: Driving Structural Change in the Tourism Sector in Africa.” In her keynote address, she underscored that the Committee’s mandate is far from symbolic, but rather instrumental in shaping a Sustainable, Resilient and future-ready Tourism sector across the continent.
A major highlight of the morning was the historic unveiling of the new UN Tourism logo for the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027, first revealed to the world in Zimbabwe. The logo will be used by the United Nations General Assembly in commemorating the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027, following its proclamation in 2024. This milestone signals a unified global direction, with all Tourism programmes and initiatives set to align towards Sustainability and Resilience as the world journeys to 2027, an honour Zimbabwe is set to host.
Delivering the host nation’s welcome remarks, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Barbara Rwodzi, conveyed profound appreciation on behalf of His Excellency The President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa for the honour bestowed upon Zimbabwe in hosting this prestigious gathering. She also paid tribute to the Tourism Patron, Her Excellency the First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, for her unwavering commitment to Sustainable Tourism and her impactful work in empowering Communities to safeguard the Nation’s Heritage. The successful official opening has set a powerful tone for Africa’s Tourism future, one anchored on Sustainability, driven by Community Empowerment and propelled by visionary leadership to deliver lasting transformation.
