Festive Season Sees Surge in Tourist Arrivals as Zimbabwe Shines on the Global Stage

Zimbabwe continues to record a steady rise in tourist arrivals during the festive season, with Zimbabweans in the Diaspora forming the bulk of incoming travellers strongly reinforcing the enduring message that home is best.

The positive momentum is being driven by a Whole-of-Government Approach, marked by seamless coordination among key institutions including the Department of Immigration, ZIMRA, the Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ), security forces and other strategic stakeholders. This collaborative effort has ensured smooth, efficient and welcoming entry processes at ports of entry, enhancing the overall travel experience for visitors.

In a clear demonstration of commitment to service excellence and hands-on leadership, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, was on the ground at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport, personally welcoming tourists with warm Zimbabwean hospitality. Her presence set a positive tone for visitors from the very first point of contact, underscoring government’s dedication to delivering memorable and world-class tourism experiences.

This welcoming atmosphere comes at a time when Zimbabwe’s tourism brand is gaining growing international recognition. Global media outlet Forbes has acknowledged Zimbabwe as a rising global destination, affirming the country’s renewed appeal and reinforcing the message that Zimbabwe is, indeed, great again.

Guided by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s foreign policy philosophy of Zimbabwe being “an enemy to none, a friend to all,” the tourism sector continues to benefit from strong inter-ministerial collaboration.

Working closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, as well as the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Zimbabwe has intensified destination marketing through international roadshows, expanded Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism, and strengthened engagement with the Diaspora.

Tourism remains one of Zimbabwe’s key low-hanging fruits for economic growth and investment. A welcoming, safe and comfortable environment is encouraging longer visitor stays, increased tourist spending and wider participation across various sectors of the economy from transport and accommodation to arts, culture and small-scale enterprises.