Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
THE tourism sector has strengthened its position as a key pillar of the national economy, directly and indirectly supporting an estimated 300 000 jobs in the last five years and channelling vital capital into communities across the country, according to the recently launched National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
The document, which reviews the 2021-2025 NDS1 period, credits strategic Government intervention and sectoral resilience for a dramatic turnaround.
From a significant decline during the Covid-19 pandemic, tourism has roared back, becoming a primary driver of livelihoods and local economic development.
“Throughout the NDS1 period, tourism continued to play a key role in employment creation, directly and indirectly supporting an estimated 300 000 jobs across both formal and informal enterprises, contributing to livelihoods and local economic development,” reads the NDS2 document.
The job creation drive spans a vast ecosystem, from formal employment in international hotel chains and tour operators to informal enterprise for artisans, transport providers and community guides, ensuring broad-based economic participation.
Tourism and hospitality executives have buttressed the report and expressed excitement over the positive sector prospects while commending the public media for insightful coverage of the recently launched NDS2 blueprint.
“We wholeheartedly agree that tourism is pivotal to our nation’s economy, directly supporting an estimated 300 000 jobs and fostering economic development in communities across Zimbabwe,” Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe president, Mrs Emmah Kativu, said in an interview.
“The remarkable recovery of the sector post-pandemic, highlighted by the surge in international tourist arrivals and significant investments, showcases our resilience and the impact of strategic government interventions.
“We commend the Government’s efforts in enhancing policies, promoting domestic tourism, and encouraging inclusivity, which are essential for sustainable growth in the industry. As we move forward, the Hospitality Association remains committed to collaborating with stakeholders to ensure the continued success of our tourism sector, bolstering its role as a cornerstone of national development.”
Tourism executive, Dr Clemence Mukwasi, concurred, saying the tourism sector has been a hive for foreign direct investment, mainly in infrastructure development.
“While by nature the industry is an export one, it has seen a lot of growth in the domestic tourism figures.
The policy of engagement and re-engagement has worked as a major market tool in the Commonwealth countries.
“The predictability of the exchange control laws has also been a magnet for investment in the sector.
“Employment has grown in the activities sector, the hospitality sector and the aviation sector.
State functions and international conventions that have been held in the country testify to the peace and quietude prevailing in the country.
“The budget support of the industry and Government agents that support tourism will certainly help the industry further grow during the implementation of NDS2,” said Dr Mukwasi.
The Government’s focused strategy on growing the tourism sector has been hailed as the catalyst for this success. Key achievements under NDS1 include the review of the National Tourism Policy to create a more balanced sector and a deliberate reduction in regulatory fees to improve the ease of doing business and encourage investment.
The launch of the National Tourism Satellite Account now provides robust data to guide future planning.
“The country`s natural rugged scenery and deep ancestral heritage spurred the surge in global traveller interest, buoyed by NDS1 investments into tourism infrastructure and facilities,” reads the document.
This culminated in a major international endorsement, with “Destination Zimbabwe” topping Forbes Magazine’s list of must-visit destinations for 2025.
The statistics underscore a remarkable recovery.
International tourist arrivals increased from 390 000 in 2021 to 1,63 million in 2024, with activity recovering to 96 percent of pre-pandemic levels.
Consequently, tourism receipts more than doubled, rising from US$500 million in 2021 to US$1,2 billion by 2024, a 140 percent increase.
A critical enabler has been the aggressive opening of the skies. The adoption of an open skies policy saw the number of airlines flying into Zimbabwe rise to 22, supported by upgraded international airports in Victoria Falls, Bulawayo, and Harare.
The improved connectivity has been matched by targeted global marketing under the “Experience Zimbabwe Campaign” and a significant digital transformation of the sector’s outreach.
Investor confidence has surged, with notable investments in tourism facilities totalling US$950 million between 2021 and 2024.
The influx has attracted prestigious international brands like Hyatt Regency and Radisson, expanding high-end accommodation options across the country.
Beyond the glittering international figures, the NDS2 highlights vital inward-looking strides. A concerted push to promote domestic tourism has helped reduce seasonal volatility and cushion against external shocks.
Furthermore, community-based tourism initiatives have been pivotal in promoting inclusivity, ensuring rural households, women, and youth benefit from travel services, arts and crafts.
As Zimbabwe transitions into the NDS2 phase, the tourism sector is expected to not merely be a success story of recovery, but a proven and sustainable engine for job creation, foreign currency generation and inclusive economic growth, firmly anchored in the nation’s unparalleled natural and cultural heritage.
