Harare, (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe shone brightly at the official opening of the 26th session of the United Nations (UN) Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday, when Tourism and Hospitality Minister Barbra Rwodzi was elected one of the vice presidents of the organization.
In a post on the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) X handle, the government said the event, being attended by Tourism Ministers and delegates from across the world, saw the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia elected as president of the General Assembly, reaffirming its growing influence in driving global tourism growth and sustainability.
“Zimbabwe took centre stage on the global Tourism arena at the 26th Session of the United Nations Tourism General Assembly, which officially opened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on the 9th of November 2025. The high-level gathering marked a pivotal moment for global Tourism Growth and Cooperation, with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia elected as President of the General Assembly, underscoring its key role in advancing Sustainable Travel and Development worldwide,” it said.
The election of Rwodzi positions Zimbabwe, alongside Nigeria, as a representative of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa, providing a strategic platform to advance Africa’s tourism agenda, championing sustainability, and shape critical global tourism policies.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Rwodzi hailed the appointment as “a proud moment for Zimbabwe and the African continent,” emphasizing that the recognition reflects growing confidence in Zimbabwe’s leadership and its commitment to sustainable tourism development.
The session also marked another historic milestone with the election of Emireti businesswoman Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais as the new secretary-general of UN Tourism, following a unanimous vote by Member States.
Al Nowas becomes the first woman to hold the position since the inception of the organization, a groundbreaking achievement that signals a new era of inclusive, innovative, and transformative leadership in the global tourism community.
As the world redefines tourism in the face of emerging challenges and opportunities, Zimbabwe’s elevation to a leadership role within UN Tourism not only enhances its international standing, but also reinforces its vision of building a vibrant, sustainable, and competitive sector that benefits both the nation and the continent.
New Ziana
