Zimbabwe is witnessing a significant growth in its tourism sector according to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency, the country recorded a relevant increase in international arrivals in the third quarter of 2025, with a notable increment in international visitors, a brilliant performance driven by growth in tourism and in business travel as reported by The Herald a state - controlled Zimbabwean mass media company published in the capital of the country Harare.
The country’s tourism success stems from various factors such as improved infrastructure (airport upgrades) and favourable economic conditions which support rising tourist and business visits, its diverse natural wonders (Victoria Falls, parks), enhanced air connectivity (Emirates partnership), strategic marketing, and growing eco/adventure tourism, all supported by policies fostering sustainability and unique experiences like gastronomy tourism.
Overall 520.721 international visitors entered the country during the third quarter of 2025, reporesenting a 15% increased compared with the same period in 2024. Including returning residents, total arrivals reached 1.381.554 people.
Tourists remained the largest group of travellers, with arrivals up 18% while the number of business visitors rose by nearly 43% year - on - year, increasing from 82.454 to 118.496.
Director General of the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency, Tafadzwa Bandama stated international migration data play a key role in national planning and policymaking, providing insights into the scale and structure of cross – border mobility.
Visitors from African countries accounted for 58.9% of total arrivals, with South Africa remaining the largest source market, followed by Mozambique and Zambia.
The growth in arrivals supports Zimbabwe’s long term tourism strategy, which aims to expand the sector to US$10 billion by 2030 through infrastructure upgrades, cultural tourism development and policies on sustainability and heritage preservation.
Key Features Driving Growth:
• Regional Dominance: South Africa, Mozambique, and Zambia were the primary source markets, accounting for most arrivals.
• Business Travel Boom: A significant 43% year - on - year increase in business visitors boosted overall numbers.
• Infrastructure and Marketing: Investments in infrastructure, streamlined visas, and enhanced marketing campaigns improved accessibility and appeal.
• Strategic Tourism Initiatives: The country focused on Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibtions (MICE) tourism and showcased its unique culinary heritage.
• Iconic Attractions: Victoria Falls continued to draw large numbers, alongside national parks and cultural sites.
• Policy and Compliance: New legislation, like the Tourism Amendment Bill 2025, aims to regulate and improve industry standards.
• Sustainability Focus: Initiatives supported sustainable tourism and community development, with significant investments in heritage like Great Zimbabwe.
Future Growth Drivers:
• Vision 2030: Tourism is central to Zimbabwe’s goal of becoming an upper - middle - income economy, supported by investment in infrastructure and services.
• Regional Integration: Collaboration within the Kavango Zambezi Trans - Frontier Park (Kaza) leverages shared natural resources for greater tourism traffic.
In essence, Zimbabwe’s tourism outlook is highly positive, showing strong recovery with significant growth in arrivals and revenue, driven by strategic diversification (gastronomy, culture, adventures, sports) enhanced marketing (Forbes naming it a top destination for 2025), and increased investment, aiming for sustainable, long - term expansion despite challenges, with targets of 1.87 million arrivals by 2026.
Link
https://tvbrics.com/en/news/international-travel-to-zimbabwe-increases-in-2025/
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