Harare, (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe’s tourism industry has recorded a robust start to 2026, with significant gains in both international arrivals and revenue, underscoring the sector’s growing competitiveness and global appeal.
Official figures released by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) for the first quarter show that international tourist arrivals rose by 11 percent to 384,561, up from 347,555 recorded during the same period last year with tourism receipts also climbing by 14 percent to US$251 million, reflecting increased visitor spending and improved sector performance.
“Zimbabwe’s tourism sector recorded strong growth in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting rising competitiveness, global recognition, and sustained demand.
International tourist arrivals increased by 11 percent, from 347,555 in 2025 to 384,561, while tourism receipts grew by 14 percent to US$251 million, up from US$221 million. Domestic tourism also strengthened, with trips rising to an estimated 2.62 million from 1.94 million, indicating improved local market participation,” said the report.
Domestic tourism reportedly played an equally important role in the sector’s expansion, with trips surging to an estimated 2.62 million from 1.94 million in 2025, growth has largely been driven by social travel, religious tourism, and study-related visits, signalling stronger participation from the local market.
The positive momentum comes amid growing global recognition of Zimbabwe as a prime travel destination. The country was named among the world’s top holiday destinations by Forbes in 2025, and recently secured the “Destination of the Year for Natural Wonders” accolade at ITB Berlin 2026.
“This performance is reinforced by Zimbabwe’s growing global profile, including recognition by Forbes as one of the world’s top destinations in 2025 and the award for ‘Destination of the Year for Natural Wonders’ at ITB Berlin 2026, while the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Barbara Rwodzi (MP), was named Tourism Minister of the Year (Africa) due to the sector’s vigorous recovery and strategic growth under her direction,” said the report.
The report added that growth in arrivals was recorded across all major source markets with African arrivals increasing by nine percent, maintaining dominance with a 75 percent share of total visitors, although slightly down from 76 percent last year.
Overseas arrivals, often associated with higher spending, grew at a faster rate of 16 percent, pushing their contribution to 25 percent of total arrivals.
The rise in tourism receipts has been attributed to higher spending from both international and domestic travellers, supported by improved air connectivity and expanded regional flight networks. Cluster-based tourism development initiatives have also enhanced the country’s destination appeal.
However, performance across regions remained uneven with provinces such as Manicaland and Mashonaland East registering notable recoveries, while Mashonaland Central and Matabeleland South experienced declines. Major urban centres, including Harare and Bulawayo, continued to perform above average, but lost some ground compared to last year.
The sector also witnessed a surge in investment activity, largely driven by a registration blitz conducted by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, which led to the formalisation of previously unregistered tourism facilities.
“Domestic tourism trips are estimated to have increased to 2.62 million, up from 1.94 million, on the back of increased visitations for social travel (visiting friends and relatives/VFR), religious tourism, and study tourism across the country,” said the report.
Despite the strong quarterly performance, emerging global challenges have begun to weigh on the sector.
The report noted the ongoing geopolitical tensions linked to the Iran conflict that disrupted key air routes and drove up fuel costs, contributing to a 12 percent decline in inbound tourism in March. Overseas markets, in particular, bore the brunt of the downturn.
Looking ahead, industry experts warn of continued volatility in the short term. Prolonged route disruptions and high fuel costs could slow growth in long-haul travel, potentially dampening overseas arrivals.
However, regional African tourism is expected to provide a buffer, given its relative resilience to global travel shocks.
In the medium term, Zimbabwe’s strong first-quarter performance is expected to serve as a foundation for recovery once global conditions stabilise. Continued marketing efforts, improved international reputation, and enhanced air connectivity are likely to support a rebound.
To sustain growth and build resilience, stakeholders are being urged to reduce reliance on long-haul markets by intensifying promotion within Africa.
There are also calls to develop shock-resistant tourism packages, including all-inclusive overland and rail-based itineraries, to cushion the sector against fluctuating airfares and fuel costs.
With a solid start to the year and increasing global recognition, Zimbabwe’s tourism sector appears poised for sustained growth, provided it can navigate the uncertainties of an evolving global travel landscape.
New Ziana
