Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Tourism Correspondent
ZIMBABWE’S tourism industry continues its remarkable rebound, recording a historic 496 668 tourist arrivals in the third quarter of 2025, up from 450 922 during the same period in 2024 — a 10, 1 percent year-on-year increase. According to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat), the Tourist Arrivals Index surged to 182,6, while the Room Nights Occupancy Rate Index rose to 144,4 – reflecting a 14,7 percent increase, and underscoring renewed confidence in Zimbabwe as a destination of choice.
While the national figures tell a compelling growth story, Manicaland Province emerged as a major contributor to this record-breaking performance, buoyed by sustained regional and international interest throughout the year.
Manicaland, with its cool climate, dramatic landscapes and growing global visibility, has firmly positioned itself as a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s tourism success story proving that when nature, culture and strategic promotion align, records are meant to be broken.
The province experienced heightened activity during and beyond the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo held in September last year, with many visitors arriving earlier than scheduled and others extending their stays to fully explore the Eastern Highlands.
Tourists thronged iconic attractions such as Mutarazi Falls, Nyangombe Falls, Nyachowa Falls and Nyanga National Park, while accommodation facilities including Montclair Hotel and Casino, Troutbeck Inn, Mountain Lake Resort, Holiday Inn and White Horse Inn reported strong occupancy.
Cultural and heritage sites in Mutare’s Central Business District (CBD) — notably Mutare Museum, Cecil Kopje and the Magic Tree — added depth to visitor experiences, alongside the majestic Big Tree of Chirinda Forest in Chipinge, Zimbabwe’s tallest indigenous tree and a declared national monument.
Many visitors accessed the province via Forbes Border Post, where the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry rolled out its Meet and Greet Programme for the first time during the 2025 festive season, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s signature hospitality.
ZimStat attributed the national growth to improved connectivity, upgraded transport infrastructure and renewed regional economic engagement, while analysts point to Zimbabwe’s growing strength in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism.
The momentum has been further amplified by Zimbabwe’s recent recognition by Forbes Magazine as the World’s Best Country to Visit in 2025, a powerful endorsement of its rising global appeal.
Tourism expert, Mr Willard Madhombiro told the Post Tourism that the statistics signal a defining moment for the sector.
“These figures are not just numbers because they represent a vote of confidence in Zimbabwe’s tourism value proposition. A 10,1 percent increase in arrivals, coupled with higher room-night occupancy, shows that visitors are staying longer and spending more. What is particularly encouraging is the spatial spread of tourism benefits, with Manicaland standing out as a clear winner. Events like Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo are no longer once-off showcases, they are catalysts that trigger extended travel, repeat visits and destination loyalty.
“The Eastern Highlands offer a unique blend of nature, heritage and tranquillity, and the sustained influx of regional and international tourists confirms that Zimbabwe is successfully repositioning itself as a premium, experience-driven destination. Going forward, consistency in service delivery, destination marketing and infrastructure development will be key to maintaining this upward trajectory and ensuring communities directly benefit from tourism growth,” he said.
Another hotelier, Mr Adonis Mutigwe said: “The growth we are witnessing has very real and tangible implications for local economies, particularly in provinces like Manicaland. This boom is not confined to arrival figures alone as it is translating into jobs, improved household incomes and renewed confidence among local tourism operators. Lodge owners are recording higher occupancies, tour guides are getting consistent bookings, transport operators are back on the roads, and small traders around key attractions are seeing increased foot traffic.”
He added: “What is encouraging is that tourism is once again emerging as a dependable economic pillar for communities that had been struggling in recent years. The sustained flow of regional and international visitors — especially around major events like Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi Expo — means longer stays and broader spending across the value chain. If this momentum is supported through infrastructure development, destination marketing and skills training, Manicaland has the potential to become one of Zimbabwe’s most resilient and inclusive tourism hubs.”
Travellers interviewed said the Eastern Highlands offered a refreshing blend of natural beauty, improved facilities and warm hospitality, making Manicaland one of the most memorable and rewarding destinations to visit in Zimbabwe.
“I was absolutely mesmerised by the waterfalls in Vumba such as Fangudu, Nyachowa and Excelsior. What struck me most was the sheer volume of water compared to my last visit to Zimbabwe. Everything felt alive, fresh and powerful. The scenery was breath-taking and incredibly therapeutic. It reminded me why the Eastern Highlands are so special. This trip felt different — more vibrant, more polished — and I found myself staying longer than planned just to soak it all in,” said Ms Yvette Moyo from Kent, UK.
Said Ms Eunice Dube from Birmingham in the UK: “As someone who has visited Mutare over the years, I was truly impressed by the revamped Mutare Sports Club. I had lunch there and the standards are now clearly international. Beyond that, the drive through Vumba was magical especially the winding roads and the fresh air that lead to Pamujinga Mountain (the Lion’s Head). Seeing the lion-shaped thicket at the summit was extraordinary. It is surely a natural wonder that deserves global attention.”
Said another tourist, Mr Tawanda Ndlovu, a Zimbabwean based in Maputo, in Mozambique: “Manicaland surprised me in the best way. From Nyanga National Park to the calm charm of Mutare, everything felt authentic and welcoming. The Meet and Greet experience at Forbes Border Post set the tone. It was warm, organised and professional. I came for a short business trip linked to Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo, but I stayed on to explore. This province has a rare balance of adventure, history and relaxation. I will definitely be back.”
