ITB Berlin 2026: Zimbabwe Unveils New Tourism Corridors and Visa Plans
Zimbabwe partners with Amadeus, CNN, and Rovos Rail at ITB Berlin. Cultural treasures shine as UNESCO Marks 40 Years of Great Zimbabwe & Khami Ruins.
As global tourism leaders and operators converged in Berlin, Germany, for ITB Berlin 2026, Zimbabwe emerged prominently on the international stage, led by the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi.
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.
Cultural Heritage Takes Centre Stage
A heritage-centred discussion with UNESCO Director Peter Warren spotlighted Great Zimbabwe and Khami Ruins as they mark 40 years as UNESCO World Heritage Sites — further strengthening Zimbabwe’s global cultural and heritage tourism positioning.
Expanding International Visibility
Strategic marketing talks with CNN International Commercial explored opportunities for enhanced international visibility. Engagements targeting the Benelux market, alongside updates from Africa Magazine, advanced the rollout of a dedicated German-language publication — a move aimed at deepening market penetration across German-speaking countries.
Luxury Rail Tourism: New Routes on the Horizon
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
- South Africa – Victoria Falls – Zambia – Democratic Republic of the Congo
The latter represents a significant emerging corridor with strong potential for regional tourism growth.
Streamlining Travel: Visa Facilitation in Focus
Immigration matters pertaining to visa facilitation were also discussed. Minister Rwodzi assured Mr. Vos and his team that the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, is currently assessing several countries for possible removal from Zimbabwe’s visa requirements — aiming to enhance seamless travel and strengthen destination competitiveness.
Data-Driven Growth
Further strategic discussions were held with Amadeus for Destinations, exploring how data-driven decision-making can be harnessed to accelerate 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.
