Polokwane,South Africa :Zimbabwe’s Tourism sector is riding high on continental recognition after the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry scooped two honours at the Africa Tourism Leadership Awards (ATLF) 2026, held at Meropa Casino and Entertainment World in Polokwane, South Africa.
Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, claimed the Women in Leadership Award, edging out Soweto Travel Shop of South Africa and Gorata Gabaraone of Fairground Holdings, Botswana, following an independently adjudicated and audited process conducted by BDO South Africa. The award celebrates Minister Rwodzi’s leadership and her contribution to advancing Zimbabwe’s tourism agenda, while spotlighting the growing role of women in shaping the continent’s tourism future.
In a second win for the country, the Ministry also picked up Bronze in the Leading in Progressive Policy Award category, sharing the podium with the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife of Kenya and the Rwanda Development Board. The award reaffirms Zimbabwe’s commitment to progressive tourism policy and to building an enabling environment for sustainable tourism growth.
It is a proud moment for Zimbabwe and destination Zimbabwe, as the country’s tourism leadership continues to earn continental recognition and strengthen its standing on Africa’s tourism landscape.
The twin accolades come at a fitting time, with momentum already building towards the 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo, running from 9 to 12 September at the Gymkhana Events and Conference Centre in Masvingo . The Expo follows hot on the heels of the September Sports Tourism Carnival, which has already drawn tertiary institutions from all ten provinces to Masvingo in football, basketball, volleyball, cricket, rugby, netball, pool, tennis, golf and marathon action, alongside the Sanganai Street Carnival and a packed programme of masterclasses and business to business networking sessions ahead of the main event.
With Minister Rwodzi’s continental accolade and Zimbabwe’s policy recognition adding fresh shine to the country’s tourism credentials, all eyes now turn to Masvingo, where Destination Zimbabwe hopes to translate international acclaim into a bumper showing at this year’s Expo.
