Staff Writer
Zimbabwe joined the global tourism community in commemorating World Tourism Day 2026 with a strong focus on the role of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in transforming the tourism sector.
The national celebrations were held at Heritage Village in Harare under the global theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism”.
Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Barbara Rwodzi was represented at the celebrations by Deputy Minister Tongai Mafidi Mnangagwa.
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) said the commemorations highlighted tourism’s contribution to destination growth, community empowerment and socio-economic development.
ZTA said Zimbabwe was increasingly harnessing artificial intelligence, information and communication technologies and digital platforms to profile and preserve tourism attractions, enhance visitor experiences and strengthen the country’s visibility as a global destination.
“The Ministry, together with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, is harnessing Artificial Intelligence, ICTs and digital platforms to profile and preserve attractions, enhance tourist experiences and strengthen Zimbabwe’s global destination visibility,” ZTA said.
The tourism authority said the celebrations also highlighted Zimbabwe’s drive to spread tourism opportunities across the country, building on the recent Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe World Tourism Expo held in Masvingo and the National Devolution Agenda.
ZTA said strategic tourism clusters were being used to integrate communities, women, persons living with disabilities and youths into the tourism value chain.
The authority also highlighted gastronomy tourism as an important component of Zimbabwe’s tourism development strategy.
Gastronomy tourism, championed by Tourism Patron and First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, is promoting indigenous cuisine while creating linkages between local producers and hotels and restaurants.
According to ZTA, the initiative is helping to showcase Zimbabwe’s culinary heritage while creating opportunities for local communities and producers to benefit from the tourism economy.
As Zimbabwe joined the global tourism community in marking World Tourism Day, ZTA said the country was advancing a tourism sector centred on innovation, heritage, sustainability and inclusive growth.
The celebrations also come as Zimbabwe prepares for the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism 2027, providing an opportunity for the country to further promote sustainable tourism development and resilience across the sector.