Online Reporter
Judith Phiri, Zimpapers Business Hub
WITH the festive season in full swing, the Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) has urged tourism operators to intensify preparations as they anticipate brisk business during this period.
The association has also stressed the importance of establishing adequate back-up facilities, including alternative power sources, to ensure clients enjoy seamless service throughout their travels.
December traditionally sees a surge in family trips to local tourist destinations, making it essential for the industry to be well-equipped to meet the increased demand.
HAZ President, Mrs Emmah Kativu, who is also Director at Coghlan Hospitality Group, said the sector is looking forward to strong business during this year’s festive season.
“As HAZ, we anticipate high traffic to resort and out-of-town properties across the country as travellers seek to explore and enjoy Zimbabwe’s diverse tourist attractions. The bookings are promising so far, with indications that most travellers will be Zimbabweans — both locally based and those returning from the diaspora. There will also be a component of foreign international tourists,” she said.
She urged operators to step up preparations by offering festive menus, entertainment, and leisure activities, while ensuring essential facilities such as power back-up, internet, water, health, and safety measures are in place for customers to enjoy their holidays.
Mrs Kativu noted that the festive season has become synonymous with special accommodation and activity packages from hospitality and tourism players.
“This year will be no different, and the hype is already building as the travelling public scrambles for space in various establishments.”
Zimbabweans, both locally and abroad, have also been encouraged to support domestic tourism and contribute significantly to holiday season traffic. Domestic tourism plays a vital role as people spend annual bonuses and savings, boosting the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
In late October, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) launched the Domestic Tourism Festive Season campaign at Lake Harvest Sports Club in Kariba — an initiative that has added an exciting dimension to festive season promotion.
The campaign showcases Zimbabwe’s diverse tourist attractions, raising awareness and creating interest that is expected to translate into bookings.
Bulawayo Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) vice chairperson, Ms Sithabile Bhebhe, called on local SMEs in the tourism sector to collaborate with other industries to ensure they provide all essential services for clients.
“The tourism industry relies on a value chain involving various sectors working together to deliver hospitality products. We urge Bulawayo SMEs in tourism to partner with transport providers, food and beverage suppliers, road safety authorities, police, utility providers for water and power, emergency services, and art and craft vendors. All these players are critical to delivering Zimbabwe’s hospitality and tourism experience — making almost everyone a tourism stakeholder,” she said.
She emphasised the importance of sectors coming together in different spaces to ensure the festive season is enjoyable and memorable.
Zimbabwe’s tourism sector is on a growth trajectory as the country repositions itself as a destination of choice in the global tourism value chain — offering accessibility, world-class accommodation, and a wide range of activities catering to diverse traveller preferences.
Recently, Forbes named Zimbabwe the “World’s Best Country to Visit in 2025,” praising the nation for its “mosaic of rugged wild terrain and deep ancestral heritage.” This recognition places Zimbabwe on the threshold of what could be a transformational tourism boom.
