admincountries and across the region.
Trade between Zimbabwe and South Africa amounted to about US$5,9 billion in 2012, with South Africa the country’s biggest trade partner, according to Government statistics.
A total of 37 294 South Africans visited Zimbabwe during the first quarter in 2013 — a 6 percent increase on the previous comparative period.
Other regional countries that recorded increases in the number of visitors to Zimbabwe include Mozambique, Zambia and Malawi.
“Although South Africa registered a relative growth of 28 percent, it should be noted that in absolute terms this is 37 294, which can be comparable to total arrivals from Mozambique during the same period,” the ZTA report said.
Overall tourist arrivals to Zimbabwe firmed 17 percent, rising to 404 282 during the first quarter in 2013. The number of tourists from Europe and the rest of Africa rose 8 percent and 86 percent, respectively, while Oceania and the Middle East did not have significant numbers of tourists visiting Zimbabwe.
“Despite the ongoing economic challenges especially in the Western world (Europe and North America), performance of the overseas market is quite positive,” the report said.
Zimbabwe is expecting bumper tourist arrivals in August when it co-hosts with Zambia the United Nations World Tourism Organisation General Assembly.
Zimbabwe economists say the tourism sector is on course for recovery but have highlighted that the possibility of violence in the run-up to national elections expected in 2013 may discourage international tourists from visiting the country.
“There is growth across the sector, with international visitors reviving interest in visiting the country and there could be major benefits from the UNWTO meeting in August, but likely election violence could keep visitors away until later this year,” economic analyst Mr Johannes Kwangwari said.
The country’s tourism industry is projected to grow 4 percent in 2013. Experts say growth in the sector will be driven by the hotels and restaurants sector. — BusinessDay.
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