In a significant development for Zimbabwe’s tourism industry, Victoria Falls has been selected to host the prestigious UN Tourism African Gastronomy Tourism Forum from July 26 to 28, 2024. This milestone is a direct result of the tireless efforts of First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, who has been championing the promotion of gastronomic tourism and traditional cuisine through various initiatives.
The UN Tourism African Gastronomy Tourism Forum is a premier event that brings together stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to celebrate the continent’s rich culinary heritage. The forum provides a platform for countries to showcase their unique traditional dishes, ingredients, and cooking techniques, thereby promoting cultural exchange and gastronomic tourism.
Zimbabwe’s selection as the host country for this year’s forum is a testament to the First Lady’s dedication to promoting the country’s tourism industry. Her efforts have been instrumental in putting Zimbabwe on the global culinary map, and the forum is expected to further boost the country’s reputation as a culinary destination.
The forum will take place in the resort city of Victoria Falls, which is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The city’s world-class infrastructure and amenities make it an ideal location for hosting international events of this magnitude.
During the forum, delegates will have the opportunity to sample a wide range of traditional Zimbabwean dishes, including mopane worms, amacimbi, and sadza. The event will also feature cooking demonstrations, workshops, and exhibitions showcasing the country’s local ingredients, spices, and cooking techniques.
The UN Tourism African Gastronomy Tourism Forum is expected to attract a significant number of tourists and stakeholders from across Africa and beyond, providing a much-needed boost to Zimbabwe’s tourism industry. The event will also create opportunities for local businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and tour operators, to showcase their services and products to a global audience.
In a statement, the First Lady expressed her excitement at the prospect of hosting the forum, saying, “This is a momentous occasion for Zimbabwe, and we are thrilled to have been selected as the host country for this prestigious event. We look forward to showcasing our rich culinary heritage and welcoming delegates from across Africa and beyond.”
The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry has also expressed its gratitude to the UN Tourism organization for selecting Zimbabwe as the host country, saying, “This is a vote of confidence in our country’s tourism industry, and we are committed to making this event a success.”
As the countdown to the UN Tourism African Gastronomy Tourism Forum begins, Zimbabwe is gearing up to host a memorable event that will showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage and promote gastronomic tourism. With the First Lady at the helm, Zimbabwe is poised to make a lasting impression on the global culinary scene.
