Zimbabwe’s tourism leaders convened at Cresta Lodge Harare for the Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) 2025 Congress, a gathering designed to steer the sector toward long-term resilience under the theme Future Proofing Hospitality and Tourism in Zimbabwe. The congress brought together senior policymakers, private-sector executives and regional operators in an effort to align national tourism growth with global trends and domestic development priorities.
Officiating on behalf of the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, Permanent Secretary Dr. Takaruza Munyanyiwa outlined the strategic pillars required to strengthen Zimbabwe’s competitiveness. He stressed the need to accelerate digital transformation, enhance sustainability and climate resilience, invest in human capital, improve infrastructure and connectivity, and modernize the country’s branding and marketing systems. Dr. Munyanyiwa emphasized that tourism is not a peripheral leisure sector but a critical driver of Vision 2030, Zimbabwe’s national agenda to attain an empowered upper middle-income economy, the Vision 2030 Framework.
In her welcoming remarks, HAZ President Emmah Kativu reinforced confidence in the sector’s growth trajectory. She noted that Zimbabwe continues to earn global recognition, including Forbes’ designation of the country as the World’s Number One Destination for 2025 and Condé Nast Traveller’s selection of Victoria Falls as a must-visit destination for 2026. Ms. Kativu also highlighted Minister Rwodzi’s recent election as Vice President of the UN Tourism General Assembly, a development that strengthens Zimbabwe’s position within global tourism governance.
Delegates were urged to use the congress as a platform to share insights, consolidate partnerships, and develop practical strategies for long-term sectoral growth. Discussions focused on technological innovation, improved service standards, and the need for coherent public-private collaboration to elevate Zimbabwe’s hospitality ecosystem.
The 2025 Congress closed with a unified commitment to position Zimbabwe as one of Africa’s most competitive, culturally rich, and future-ready destinations.
