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Writes Cleopas Huruva Mukungunugwa
Zimbabwe continues to get international recognition with the country geared to host the United Nations Tourism Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa on 26 to 28 July 2024, at the Elephant Hills Hotel in Victoria. The Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honourable Barbara Rwodzi on 16 July 2024, informed the cabinet that the country was ready to host this important event.
The main objectives of the Tourism Forum are to promote cultural heritage, celebrate diverse culinary traditions, and elevate the role of gastronomy in African tourism.
Hosting the UN Tourism on Gastronomy for Africa in Zimbabwe would bring numerous benefits to the country, including:
– Cultural exchange where the country will be able to showcase Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage and cuisine to an international audience.
– The event will also bring with it tourism promotion and highlight Zimbabwe’s tourism potential, attracting more visitors and generating revenue for the country.
– There will be the creation of jobs as well as means to stimulate local economies thereby increasing foreign exchange earnings and resulting in the country boosting its foreign currency reserves.
– The event will further enhance Zimbabwe’s gastronomy scene, promoting local ingredients, dishes, and culinary traditions to international visitors.
– Zimbabwe will also foster connections with international tourism and gastronomy experts, promoting partnerships and collaborations, thereby enhancing the country’s global image and branding as well as showcasing its unique offerings.
By hosting this event, Zimbabwe can demonstrate its capabilities, promote its tourism industry, and contribute to the development of African gastronomy.
His Excellency the President, Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa will officially open the event and deliver the Keynote Address.
Participants will be drawn from the SADC region and beyond where they will showcase their traditional dishes. The event will be a tourism boost for the country since delegates from various countries will have time to enjoy seeing the majesty of Victoria Falls which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
During the event, His Excellency the President Dr. E.D Mnangagwa and the First Lady, Dr. A. Mnangagwa will be honoured by UN Tourism for their outstanding achievements in driving the Gastronomy Tourism initiative in Zimbabwe, and Africa at large.