UNGA81: Zimbabwe Seeks CNN Partnership to Capitalize on Forbes’ Top Destination Ranking
New York — As the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) convenes in New York, Zimbabwe is making a calculated push to transform global accolades into tangible economic growth. On the sidelines of the summit, the national delegation has engaged in high-level discussions with senior executives from CNN, exploring a strategic media partnership designed to reposition the country as a premier global tourism and investment destination.
The delegation, led by President Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, is advancing the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), with a specific focus on branding Zimbabwe on the world stage. At the heart of this effort is a meeting between the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, and Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) Chief Executive Officer Dr. George Manyaya, with key CNN executives including Phil Wilson, Vice President of CNN International; Sales Director Zara Driss; and Imran Ahmad, Regional Representative for Africa and Central Asia.
Capitalizing on Global Recognition
The push for a media partnership comes at a pivotal moment for Zimbabwe’s tourism sector. Last year, Forbes Magazine named Zimbabwe the Number One Must-Visit Destination for 2025, placing the southern African nation at the center of international travel conversations.
The data supports the momentum. The United States has emerged as Zimbabwe’s leading overseas source market, with tourist arrivals surging from 18,756 in 2021 to 109,959 in 2025. Despite this sharp increase, officials acknowledge that the strategic imperative remains clear: converting global recognition into longer stays, higher tourism spending, and sustained market reach.
By leveraging CNN’s massive global footprint, Zimbabwe aims to connect its diverse tourism proposition—with offerings ranging from iconic natural wonders and wildlife safaris to heritage sites, culture, gastronomy, and adventure tourism—with millions of potential travelers and investors across key international markets.
Beyond Tourism: Selling the Investment Case
While tourism visibility is the hook, the underlying goal is broader investment attraction. According to the Zimbabwean delegation, a partnership with CNN would serve a dual purpose: showcasing the country’s hospitality offerings while simultaneously presenting investment opportunities across the tourism value chain.
The platform offers Zimbabwe a chance to present its stable investment climate and infrastructure developments to a worldwide audience, targeting high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors interested in the African tourism sector.
Zimbabwe Has the Story
For the Zimbabwean government, the potential CNN partnership represents more than just advertising; it is a narrative shift. After years of building its reputation through word-of-mouth and niche marketing, the state is now seeking to mainstream its story through one of the world’s most watched news and media networks.
“Zimbabwe has the story,” officials say. With the credibility of a Forbes top-ranking and the distribution power of a potential CNN collaboration, the country is betting that the world is finally ready to listen.
