By Sharon Chimenya
MASVINGO — The development and investment in Air Zimbabwe play a vital role in driving the growth of Zimbabwe’s domestic tourism sector, according to recent insights.
Tourism is one of the key pillars supporting Zimbabwe’s economic transformation. Professor Mthuli Ncube said that strengthening the national airline through strategic investment is essential for stimulating growth within the domestic tourism industry.
Professor Ncube was speaking during the 19th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo, where Air Zimbabwe reintroduced its flights to Masvingo after two decades.
He said domestic tourism trips had increased by 27 percent, rising from approximately five million in the first half of 2025 to 6.4 million in the first half of 2026.
“Investment in our airline, Air Zimbabwe, is a critical investment in the domestic tourism sector. I therefore urge various government departments to support Air Zimbabwe’s acquisition of additional aircraft to cover domestic routes within our country,” the Finance Minister said.
Professor Ncube said this would help boost the tourism sector.
“Imagine a flight from Harare to Gweru, then from Gweru to Masvingo, and from Masvingo to Buffalo Range. Then you have Manicaland to Victoria Falls. All of this will go a long way in promoting tourism,” he said.
Meanwhile, in response to a contribution by Cephas Shonhiwa, a tour operator in Kariba, regarding how landing fees in the resort town pose a challenge to airlines, Professor Ncube said he would engage the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe on the matter.
Shonhiwa said they had been in communication with Air Zimbabwe to resume flights to Kariba, but due to the landing fees, clients were being affected, with a 36-minute trip costing around US$245 one-way.
“The landing fees in Kariba are making it expensive for both the airlines and the clients. I am going to take this up with the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe under our cost of doing business programme. Clearly, if this impedes the ease of doing business, the fees ought to go down,” he said.
Professor Ncube said the government is committed to creating an enabling environment through improved infrastructure and connectivity, digital transformation, tourism development, and stronger partnerships with domestic and international investors.
