Zimbabwe’s Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Dr Walter Mzembi, is now Africa's official candidate for the post of United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Secretary General.

Mzembi's candidature was endorsed by the African Union Heads of State and Government Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, last week, after going through the bureaucratic process of the 54 member organisation unopposed.

Ross Kennedy, Chief Executive of Africa Albida, described the endorsement as a “significant milestone for Zimbabwe and our tourism sector”. “He has worked tirelessly for the industry and should he succeed and be elected, it will no doubt further enhance Brand Zimbabwe.” Kennedy said various positive impacts would include the profile of Zimbabwe receiving increased media mileage.

Katja Quasdorf, Jenman’s Product and Marketing Director, was also positive about the endorsement and its impact on the Zimbabwe tourism industry.

The Secretary General's post falls vacant in May 2017 when incumbent, Dr Taleb Rifai's, term expires. Nominations for the post will be held in Egypt in October, at which time Mzembi will know who are the other candidates.

Mzembi's journey to the candidature started with his nomination by the government of Zimbabwe and was subsequently followed by an endorsement by the SADC region and, now, the African Union.

He sits on the executive council as the chair of the UNWTO Commission for Africa. Since the inception of UNWTO in 1975, no African has held the top position.

“This creates belief and confidence across tourism in Zimbabwe and will almost certainly lead to further investment by existing and new operators. We wish the Minister all success and support his campaign,” added Kennedy.