Hon. Rwodzi Drives Zimbabwe onto the Global Stage at ITB Berlin 2026

With Global Tourism Leaders and Operators converging in Berlin, Germany for ITB Berlin 2026, Zimbabwe, led by the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Barbara Rwodzi, emerged prominently on the International stage. The Minister began the day with a tour of the Zimbabwe Stand, engaging co-exhibitors and reinforcing a cohesive Experience Zimbabwe brand presence before proceeding to a series of high-level engagements. A heritage-centred discussion with UNESCO Director Peter Warren spotlighted Great Zimbabwe and Khami Ruins as they mark 40 years as World Heritage Sites, further strengthening Zimbabwe’s global Cultural and Heritage Tourism positioning. Strategic marketing talks with CNN International Commercial explored enhanced international visibility, while engagements targeting the Benelux market and updates from Africa Magazine advanced the rollout of a dedicated German-language publication to deepen market penetration across German-speaking countries.

A key engagement was held with Mr. Rohan Vos, owner of Rovos Rail, whose luxury trains transport Tourists from South Africa to Victoria Falls. Discussions centred on exciting new routes including South Africa–Beitbridge–Great Zimbabwe–Malawi/Mozambique, as well as a significant emerging corridor linking South Africa, Victoria Falls, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Immigration matters pertaining Visa facilitation were also discussed with Minister Rwodzi assuring Mr Rovos and his team that the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, working with the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, are currently assessing a number of countries for possible removal from Zimbabwe’s Visa requirements to enhance seamless travel and destination competitiveness. Further strategic discussions were held with Amadeus for Destinations to harness data-driven decision-making for destination growth. In attendance were Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Germany Her Excellency Alice Mashingaidze and the Chief Executive Officer of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Dr George Manyaya.

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