By Tendai Chisiri
HARARE — Zimbabwe’s tourism sector posted strong growth in the first quarter of 2026, with international arrivals, tourism receipts and domestic travel all rising sharply year-on-year, according to the latest performance report.
“Zimbabwe’s tourism sector recorded strong growth in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting rising competitiveness, global recognition, and sustained demand,” the report states.
Key Q1 2026 Highlights:
- International tourist arrivals increased by 11%, from 347,555 in Q1 2025 to 384,561.
- Tourism receipts grew by 14% to US$251 million, up from US$221 million.
- Domestic trips rose 35% to an estimated 2.62 million, from 1.94 million, “indicating improved local market participation.”
“The overall increase in tourism receipts was driven by a rise in both domestic and international spending.”
Market Breakdown
Growth was broad-based, with arrivals from Africa up 9% while overseas arrivals grew 16%. The share of overseas markets, “typically the highest-spending segment, edged up from 24% in 2025 to 25% in 2026.” Africa still accounted for 75% of total arrivals, “slightly down from 76% in 2025.”
Top source markets showed mixed performance: Mozambique arrivals jumped 62% to 62,301, Britain & Ireland rose 89% to 13,575, and South Africa grew 12% to 78,002. The USA held steady at 20,512, down 0.2%.
Hotel Occupancy & Investment
National average hotel room occupancy improved marginally to 38% from 37% in Q1 2025. Regional performance “varied significantly”: Manicaland rose 15 percentage points to 42%, while Mashonaland Central fell 9 points to 17%. Harare and Bulawayo “remained above average but lost ground compared to 2025,” at 45% and 36% respectively.
Tourism investments surged 438% to US$67.8 million, from US$12.6 million. “This surge is due to the recent registration blitz carried out by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority on tourism operators, which resulted in regularisation of some facilities which were not regularised.”
Global Recognition
The report attributes part of the momentum to Zimbabwe’s “growing global profile,” citing 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. Tourism Minister Barbara Rwodzi was also named “Tourism Minister of the Year (Africa) due to the sector’s vigorous recovery and strategic growth under her direction.”
Outlook: Iran War Hits March Numbers
Despite the strong quarter, March saw a setback. “The Iran War Effect: Route disruptions, rising fuel costs, and reduced inbound tourism by 12% in March.” The drop “impacted all source regions with the overseas markets bearing the most shock.”
For the remainder of 2026, “volatility is likely. If fuel costs remain high and flight routes are disrupted, overseas arrivals may stagnate.” However, “regional (African) inbound tourism could partially offset losses, as it is less affected by long-haul disruptions.”
The report adds that “Zimbabwe’s solid start to the year provide a strong recovery platform once geopolitical tensions ease,” with marketing, improved air connectivity, and the domestic market expected to “anchor the sector’s growth.”
Recommendations include reducing “dependence on long-haul overseas markets by more aggressively promoting regional African tourism” and developing “shock-resilient tour packages, such as all-inclusive overland or rail-based itineraries.”
News Sport Online 