Online Reporter
Walter Nyamukondiwa
Mashonaland West Bureau Chief
The tourism sector experienced a significant influx of visitors during the festive season, with resorts such as Kariba and Mana Pools recording room occupancy above 75 percent.
Activities including parasailing, zip lining and game drives proved popular, while cruise boats operated busy schedules on Christmas and Boxing Day.
Operators reported stronger business compared to the previous year.
Government intensified calls for local travel as part of efforts to encourage tourism growth, build a culture of travel and consolidate the sector’s contribution to the National Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Zimbabwe’s attractions continue to gain international acclaim, with Forbes Magazine naming the country the best destination to visit in 2025, while Condé Nast Traveller listed Victoria Falls as a must-see for 2026.
Hotels such as Tamarind and Caribbea recorded average occupancy of about 80 percent, with operators struggling to accommodate some clients.
Tour operator Mr Cephas Shonhiwa said business was stronger than in 2024.
“Business was better this year compared to last year as we saw all seven cruise boats leaving the harbours with clients,” he said.
“Other boats had up to three trips on Christmas and Boxing Day. Hotels and lodges had more occupants, with some fully booked.”
Visitors travelled by road and air, with MacAir operating scheduled flights between Kariba and Harare.
“The flights were always full, but I think for this period the aircraft could have been larger to take up all who intended to travel by air,” said Mr Shonhiwa.
Operators noted that improved road networks, particularly on sections of the Harare–Chirundu Highway, could have boosted arrivals further.
Attractions such as the Chinhoyi Caves drew day trippers and overnight visitors, while the CUT Hotel catered for transit travellers heading to Kariba and Chirundu.
Kariba itself offered expanded activities including parasailing, zip lining, fishing, quad biking and game drives.
Some visitors opted for serene and secluded destinations within Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management areas, such as Matusadona and Mana Pools.
According to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) Quarterly International Migration Statistics, the country recorded about 520 000 visitors by 24 December this year, compared to 454 000 during the same period last year.
Of these, 58 percent came from Africa, 17 percent from Europe, while North and South America accounted for 10 percent.
Improved air connectivity, infrastructure upgrades, intensified destination marketing and Zimbabwe’s recognition as the world’s number one destination to visit in 2025 have all contributed to the tourism surge.
