Zimbabwe’s tourism sector demonstrated significant growth in the first quarter of 2026, with receipts increasing by 14 percent to US$251 million, up from US$221 million in the same period last year. International tourist arrivals also rose by 11 percent, indicating a strong recovery for a key foreign currency earner following the global pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which emerged in December 2019, severely impacted the tourism industry due to national lockdowns and travel restrictions imposed by the World Health Organization. However, the sector has shown robust signs of recovery.

According to the latest figures from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), international tourist arrivals reached 384,561 in the first quarter of 2026, an increase from 347,555 during the corresponding period in the previous year. This growth suggests sustained demand and improved competitiveness for the destination.

Africa remained the primary source market, accounting for 75 percent of total arrivals in the quarter under review, a slight decrease from 76 percent in the same period last year.

Recent strategic initiatives and a heritage-based tourism approach have contributed to Zimbabwe’s positioning as a rapidly growing tourism destination in Africa. The country has received notable international recognition, including Tourism Minister Barbara Rwodzi being named Africa’s Best Minister of Tourism. Zimbabwe was also awarded Best Natural Destination – Wonders by PATWA during ITB Berlin. Additionally, Forbes listed Zimbabwe among the world’s must-visit destinations, enhancing its global tourism appeal.

Minister Rwodzi was also recognized as the top-performing Cabinet minister for 2025.

The tourism sector’s growth agenda received further impetus in February with the appointment of Dr. George Manyaya as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA). This appointment is viewed as a strategic move to enhance destination marketing, strengthen investor confidence, and preserve Zimbabwe’s tourism heritage. The increase in tourism receipts, from US$221 million to US$251 million, highlights the sector’s strategic importance as a significant foreign currency earner and an economic growth driver for Zimbabwe.

The ZTA attributes this performance to the country’s rising global profile and the resulting increase in confidence in the destination. The authority reported an 11 percent increase in international tourist arrivals and a 14 percent growth in tourism receipts. This performance is supported by international accolades, including recognition by Forbes and the ‘Destination of the Year for Natural Wonders’ award at ITB Berlin 2026, alongside Minister Barbara Rwodzi’s recognition as Tourism Minister of the Year (Africa) for the sector’s recovery and strategic growth.

Improved air connectivity, expanded domestic and regional flight networks, and cluster-based tourism development initiatives have supported the positive trajectory of the sector.

Domestic tourism emerged as a significant growth area, with trips rising to 2.62 million from 1.94 million last year. This increase was largely driven by social travel, religious tourism, and education-related visits.

Internationally, growth in arrivals was recorded across all major source markets. Arrivals from Africa increased by nine percent, while overseas markets experienced a stronger 16 percent growth. The share of overseas markets slightly increased from 24 percent in 2025 to 25 percent in 2026. The growing contribution from overseas tourists, who typically have higher spending patterns, is enhancing the overall value of tourism inflows.

Despite the overall positive trend, the sector has encountered challenges, particularly due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. These tensions led to route disruptions and rising fuel costs, contributing to a 12 percent decline in inbound tourism in March alone. The conflict affected all source markets, with long-haul overseas arrivals being particularly impacted due to their reliance on international flight connectivity.

National average hotel occupancy levels showed a marginal improvement to 38 percent during the quarter, up from 37 percent in the corresponding period last year. However, performance varied across provinces. Manicaland recorded a notable recovery in hotel occupancies, increasing to 42 percent from 27 percent, and Mashonaland East also saw progress, rising to 19 percent from 11 percent. Conversely, hotel occupancy rates in Mashonaland Central declined by nine percentage points to 17 percent, and Matabeleland South decreased to 10 percent from 16 percent last year. Harare recorded an average hotel room occupancy of 45 percent, down from 48 percent, while Bulawayo saw a slight decrease to 36 percent from 37 percent.

Tourism investment registered a significant increase, largely driven by a recent ZTA registration blitz that formalized previously unregistered tourism facilities. As a result, investments into the sector improved by 438 percent to US$67.8 million in the first quarter of this year.

The ZTA, operating under the mandate of the Tourism Act of 1996 [Chapter 14:20], conducted a nationwide blitz during the first quarter to enforce compliance with registration and licensing requirements across the tourism value chain.

This initiative aims to ensure that all tourism operators, including accommodation providers and tour operators, adhere to legal and prescribed standards.