UN Tourism Sec-Gen Shaikha Al Nuwais Visits President Mnangagwa in Harare
Harare, Zimbabwe — Following a landmark day in Victoria Falls, the heartbeat of global tourism shifted to the capital this afternoon. His Excellency President Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa received a courtesy call from the UN Tourism Secretary-General, Ms. Shaikha Al Nuwais, at his Munhumutapa Offices.
The visit comes at a high-octane moment for Zimbabwe, as the nation hosts back-to-back global tourism summits between 27 April and 1 May 2026.
A Transition of Leadership
Having just presided over the opening of the 23rd UN Tourism Committee on Tourism and Sustainability in Victoria Falls—where the global logo for the 2027 International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism was officially premiered—Ms. Al Nuwais traveled to Harare to meet with the Head of State.
The Secretary-General expressed deep humility at assuming her role as the first woman to lead the UN specialized agency and commended Zimbabwe’s “vibrant and visible” commitment to the sector. She specifically lauded the President’s visionary leadership in making tourism a central pillar of the nation’s economic growth strategy.
From Policy to Empowerment
The Harare engagement serves as a strategic bridge between the technical sustainability meetings and the upcoming 2nd UN Tourism Regional Congress on Women’s Empowerment in Tourism in Africa, which begins tomorrow, April 29, in Victoria Falls.
“Our mandate is instrumental in shaping a future-ready tourism sector across the continent,” Ms. Al Nuwais remarked. “Zimbabwe’s hosting of these two critical events demonstrates a move from symbolic empowerment to decisive leadership.”
Whole-of-Government Support
The Secretary-General was joined by the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Hon. Prof. Dr. Amon Murwira. The inclusion of the Foreign Affairs ministry highlights the diplomatic weight Zimbabwe is placing on tourism as a vehicle for international partnership and sustainable development.
With the 2027 vision now public and the blessing of the Executive, the focus returns to the “Tourism City” of Victoria Falls for the remainder of the week to address the structural changes needed for women’s leadership in the industry.
