Minister Rwodzi Highlights Growth and Challenges in Zimbabwe’s Domestic Tourism Sector

Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Hon. Barbara Rwodzi says domestic tourism remains the driving force behind Zimbabwe’s tourism growth, contributing significantly to the sector’s 17 percent share of the national economy.

Speaking during the launch of the 2025 Domestic Tourism Festive Season Campaign in Kariba, Minister Rwodzi said most of this growth — estimated at nearly 75 percent — comes from domestic tourism activities, which include religious gatherings, sporting events, and conferences held across the country.

“When we talk about tourism’s 17 percent contribution to the economy, the larger share of that, about 75 percent, comes from domestic tourism,” she said. “This includes people travelling within the country for religious pilgrimages, sports, meetings, workshops, and conferences organised by government, NGOs, churches, and other institutions.”

Minister Rwodzi explained that these activities have become the backbone of the local tourism economy, as Zimbabweans increasingly participate in local events and business-related travel.

However, she noted that leisure-based domestic tourism — such as family vacations and visits among friends — remains underdeveloped.

“The part that is lagging behind is people visiting for leisure — individuals, families, and friends going on holiday,” the Minister said. “We identified this gap in our speech and we are addressing it through amendments to the Tourism Bill, because the cost of holidaying in our country is still too high.”

The Minister said the government is working to make leisure travel more affordable and accessible for ordinary citizens, as part of efforts to ensure every Zimbabwean can explore and enjoy the nation’s diverse destinations.

She emphasized that while international tourism continues to recover, domestic tourism remains stronger, providing resilience and sustainability to the sector.

“Domestic tourism is performing better than any other segment, even more than international tourism,” said Minister Rwodzi.