Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve,[email protected]
THE nation’s tourism sector attracted more than US$60 million in new investments during the first quarter of 2026, a 438 percent surge that pushed the industry’s total value from US$12.6 million to US$67.8 million, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has revealed.
International tourist arrivals rose 11 percent to 384 561 in the period under review, while tourism receipts climbed 14 percent to US$251 million, according to the ZTA’s first quarter performance report released on Monday.
The explosive growth follows Zimbabwe’s recognition by Forbes as one of the world’s top destinations in 2025.
The country also won the Destination of the Year for Natural Wonders award at ITB Berlin 2026, with Tourism Minister Barbara
Rwodzi named Africa’s Tourism Minister of the Year.
Domestic trips increased to an estimated 2.62 million from 1.94 million, driven by social, religious and study travel.
Mozambique recorded the strongest African growth, with arrivals jumping 62 percent to 62 301.
Britain and Ireland emerged as the fastest-growing European market, surging 89 percent to 13 575.
China/Hong Kong arrivals rose 24 percent to 10 366.
However, the ZTA warned that geopolitical tensions are clouding the outlook.
The Iran War Effect triggered route disruptions and higher fuel costs, reducing inbound tourism by 12 percent in March.
The authority urged reduced dependence on long-haul markets and promotion of regional African tourism, along with shock-resilient tour packages such as overland or rail-based itineraries.
Bongani Ndlovu