Zimbabwe’s tourism sector continues its strong rebound, generating approximately US$922 million between January and September 2025 — a 10 percent increase from the US$839 million recorded over the same period last year. The growth has been attributed to rising international arrivals and a surge in domestic travel, Government has announced.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi revealed the latest figures yesterday while officially opening the Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) Summit and Annual General Meeting in Harare.
According to Minister Rwodzi, international tourist arrivals grew by 9 percent in the first nine months of the year, with most visitors coming from the Americas, Africa and Asia. Domestic tourism also continued its upward trajectory, recording a 20.9 percent increase.
“These statistics are encouraging signs that our recovery is gaining positive traction,” she said. “But future-proofing requires more than recovery — it demands transformation.”
The Minister emphasised that tourism is a key driver of Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, noting its importance in job creation, agricultural markets, and opportunities for creative industries. She added that each tourist visit presents more than an economic benefit, saying: “Every tourist arrival is not just a statistic — it is a potential ambassador, investor, and storyteller for Zimbabwe.”
Minister Rwodzi also commended First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa for championing gastronomy tourism, which she said has enhanced Zimbabwe’s culinary identity and broadened its tourism appeal.
Calling for continued investment in skills and infrastructure, she stressed the need to prepare young people to lead the sector in the future. “A tourist’s journey begins long before they reach our front desk — it begins on a road, a runway, or a mobile network. Reliable transport, power and internet are no longer luxuries — they are the arteries of competitiveness,” she said.
While Zimbabwe is internationally famed for Victoria Falls, the Minister said the country’s rich culture, cuisine, music and hospitality must also be showcased to the world. She highlighted the ongoing ZimBho domestic tourism campaign as central to encouraging Zimbabweans to explore their own country.
Minister Rwodzi further urged stronger collaboration between the Government and private sector to sustain the sector’s growth. She noted that tourism fees had been reduced by up to 50 percent in some categories to lower operating costs and enhance competitiveness.
“My clarion call to all of you is that future-proofing cannot be achieved by the Government alone,” she said. “The private sector — represented here by HAZ — is the engine of creativity, investment and service excellence.”
