Zimbabwe’s Tourism Minister Barbara Rwodzi has extended warm Chinese New Year greetings while advocating for stronger cultural and tourism collaboration between Zimbabwe and China in 2026. Emphasizing youth-driven exchanges, Rwodzi called travel a 'bridge for mutual learning' and highlighted plans to expand partnerships this year.
🌏 Youth in Focus: The minister stressed the importance of cultural programs connecting young people from both nations, framing it as key to fostering long-term understanding. 'When young minds explore each other’s heritage, it sparks innovation and trust,' she said.
✈️ Tourism as Diplomacy: With bilateral travel initiatives gaining momentum, Zimbabwe aims to attract more Chinese visitors through heritage tours and eco-adventures. Analysts say this aligns with China’s 'Belt and Road' cultural outreach, though Rwodzi emphasized 'mutually beneficial' goals.
📈 2026 Trends: Recent data shows a 15% year-on-year rise in Chinese tourists to Zimbabwe since visa reforms eased travel last November. Meanwhile, Harare’s new Mandarin-language tour guide program has trained over 200 locals this month alone.
