Zimbabwe recorded strong growth in its tourism industry in the first quarter of 2026, with international tourism arrivals rising by 11 percent to 384,561 and receipts surging 14 percent to US$251 million during the period compared to 2025.
According to the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), the performance reflects 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% to US$251 million, up from US$221 million,” the Authority said.
“Domestic tourism also strengthened, with trips rising to an estimated 2.62 million from 1.94 million, indicating improved local market participation,” ZTA said.
Overseas arrivals jumped by 16 percent to 97,456 from 83,868 in 2025 while Africa’s climbed nine percent to 287,105 from 263,687.
Americas arrivals went up one percent to 26,324 from 26,058 while Asia increased 26 percent to 25,334 from 20,163.
On the other hand, Europe numbers increased 23 percent to 37,824.
Middle East was 19 percent up to 789 and Oceania 17 percent to 7,185.
“The share of overseas markets, typically the highest-spending segment, edged up from 24 percent in 2025 to 25 percent in 2026,” ZTA said, adding that “consequently, Africa accounted for 75% percent of total arrivals in 2026, slightly down from 76 percent in 2025”.
The overall increase in tourism receipts was driven by a rise in both domestic and international spending.
“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 Tourism minister, Barbara Rwodzi was named Tourism Minister of the Year for Africa,” ZTA said.
In the outlook, short-term risks include rising fuel costs and global route disruptions, already weighing on March arrivals at -12 percent.
Medium-term recovery remains positive, supported by regional tourism and domestic demand.
Analysts say Zimbabwe is urged to de-risk reliance on long-haul markets, strengthen regional tourism, and promote cost-efficient travel packages to sustain momentum. – TML