Online Reporter
Simbarashe Murima
Zimbabwe’s tourism industry is unquestionably flourishing, and its growing appeal as a premium global tourism destination is evidenced by an increase in international tourist interests.
Zimbabwe has been rated the world’s best country to visit in 2025 by Forbes Magazine, an acclaimed international magazine.
According to reports, the sector had a 24 percent increase in earnings and a 27 percent increase in arrivals in the first half of 2024. During the same year, the sector saw 1,6 million arrivals and generated over US$1,2 billion in revenue.
The driving forces behind the industry’s domestic and international standing, however, lie beneath its economic growth, which is a result of effective administration, policy, and monitoring by the ministry, commanded by the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Barbara Rwodzi.
As an apolitical industry expert, I express my gratitude and acknowledge the Minister’s exceptional work.
Minister Rwodzi recently received the honour of taking over as the Vice-President of the United Nations (UN) Tourism General Assembly during its 26th session in Saudi Arabia.
This significant accomplishment raises Zimbabwe’s profile as a travel destination worldwide.
She has transformed Zimbabwe into a popular travel destination since taking office in September 2023, as evidenced by the international recognition.
Although her predecessors did a wonderful job and spearheaded the industry’s developments during their tenures, Minister Rwodzi’s leadership has demonstrated pragmatic achievements that value practicality, adaptability, and a focus on tangible results.
Under her tutelage, the ministry distinctly revised its system for issuing tourism licences and made an unprecedented decision to reduce the sector’s taxes and levies, which is projected to substantially boost Zimbabwe’s tourism industry market share both locally and internationally.
Additionally, she ushered tourism-cluster development across all 10 provinces in the country and promoted investment forums to unlock tourism-driven economic growth.
The minister hosted the maiden United Nations (UN) Tourism Regional Forum on African Gastronomy Tourism in Victoria Falls, positioning Zimbabwe as a gastronomy hub.
In the last few months, Zimbabwe has been inundated with high-profile celebrity visits secured by the minister from the likes of Hollywood star Michael Douglas, renowned American comedian and television host Steve Harvey, American comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish, former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, and billionaire businessman Roman Abramovich. These are just a few examples.
I’ve noticed a rise in significant types of cultural tourism, which appears to have been rejuvenated under the minister’s leadership. Zimbabwe’s religious tourism sector has been thriving due to its diverse cultural and social significance and potently redemptive spirituality.
Lastly, the world-renowned evangelist Pastor Benny Hinn arrived in Zimbabwe on a three-day National Healing Crusade in Harare, where he was personally met by Minister Rwodzi, establishing pilgrimage tourism in the country.
Zimbabwe’s tourism industry has seen a positive transformation, attributable to her leadership, hard work, dedication, and excellent interpersonal qualities.
“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way,” said John Maxwell.
Bravo, Honourable Minister!
