Harare, (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe’s tourism sector continued its steady recovery in 2024, generating an estimated US$1.18 billion in receipts and maintaining strong visitor numbers as the country capitalized on the resurgence of global travel and growing interest in African destinations, said a senior industry player.
Speaking at the inaugural Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) in the capital on Thursaday, ZTA chairman Farai Chimba said the sector recorded approximately 1.61 million tourist arrivals in 2024, a slight increase from the 1.6 million visitors registered in 2023, a performance reflecting sustained demand for Zimbabwe as a tourism destination despite ongoing global and domestic economic challenges.
“Tourism performance over 2023-2024 reflected a steady recovery and consolidation, with Zimbabwe recording about 1.6 million tourist arrivals in 2023 and a marginal increase to approximately 1.61 million in 2024, signaling resilience and sustained destination demand.
The sector also delivered strong economic value, with tourism receipts rising to around US$1.18 billion in 2024 from US$1.16 billion in 2023, reinforcing tourism’s contribution to national economic growth and foreign currency generation, while 2024 maintained positive momentum supported by both domestic and international travel demand,” said Chimba.
The positive results come amid a broader recovery in international tourism, he said, adding that the UN Tourism Barometer reported that global tourism arrivals in 2023 and 2024 approached pre-pandemic levels, with Africa outperforming 2019 benchmarks.
This, said Chimba, created opportunities for Zimbabwe to strengthen its position in the increasingly competitive international tourism market.
Tourism receipts rose from US$1.16 billion in 2023 to about US$1.18 billion in 2024, reinforcing the sector’s role as a key contributor to economic growth, foreign currency generation and employment creation.
“Overall, the period demonstrates gradual strengthening of Zimbabwe’s tourism fundamentals, positioning the sector for expanded growth through continued investment, marketing and strategic partnerships.
During the period 2023-2024, the Authority focused on strengthening Zimbabwe’s destination positioning, deepening international market engagement and supporting sector recovery through strategic marketing, destination development and stakeholder collaboration,” he said.
The authority’s governance framework underwent significant changes in 2024 following the commissioning of a forensic examination of its operations by the shareholder, resulting in the Board of Directors being temporarily barred from carrying out its oversight responsibilities to facilitate the smooth conduct of the exercise.
Despite the absence of a board during the period, Chimba said the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry provided strategic guidance that enabled Zimbabwe to successfully host the United Nations Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism in Africa in Victoria Falls from July 26 to 28, 2024.
The event highlighted gastronomy tourism as an emerging pillar of Zimbabwe’s tourism strategy, promoting cultural preservation, inclusive growth, destination development and international positioning.
Industry performance also improved during the period, with accommodation establishments reporting higher room occupancy rates and increased business activity. However, operators continued to face challenges arising from macroeconomic developments, including currency transitions that affected investment decisions and operating conditions.
He said a major milestone for the sector has been the growing international recognition of Zimbabwe’s gastronomy tourism initiatives championed by First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, an initiative he said helped raise Zimbabwe’s profile as an emerging culinary tourism destination while showcasing African cuisine on the global stage.
“The Authority recognizes gastronomy tourism as a strategic pillar and enabler for cultural preservation, inclusive tourism growth, value-chain beneficiation, destination development and international positioning,” he said.
Looking ahead, Chimba said ZTA remains committed to strengthening governance, enhancing destination competitiveness, deepening partnerships and driving initiatives that position Zimbabwe as a preferred tourism destination.
With global tourism continuing its recovery and Zimbabwe’s unique attractions drawing increasing attention, industry leaders believe the sector is well placed to accelerate growth and make an even greater contribution to national development in the years ahead.
New Ziana
