Online Reporter
Farirai Machivenyika
Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S tourism sector continued its strong recovery and growth momentum in the third quarter of 2025, with nearly half a million international visitors arriving in the country and hotel occupancy rates rising.
This signalled stronger demand, improved sector confidence and increased economic activity.
Statistics released by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (Zimstat) last week indicate that 496 668 tourist arrivals were recorded countrywide during the third quarter of 2025, compared to 450 992 arrivals in the same period last year, representing a 10,1 percent year-on-year increase.
According to Zimstat, the growth underscores the sustained rebound of the tourism industry following years of disruption, while also reflecting the impact of destination marketing, improved infrastructure and renewed international interest in Zimbabwe.
“Basing on the first quarter of 2023 as the reference period, the third quarter 2025 Tourist Arrivals Index stood at 182,6,” said Zimstat, indicating that tourist inflows have nearly doubled relative to the base period.
The positive trend was mirrored in accommodation performance, with the Room Nights Occupancy Rate Index rising by 10,3 percent, from 130,9 in the third quarter of 2024 to 144,4 in the period under review.
Zimstat reported that the Bed Nights Occupancy Rate Index increased by 4,7 percent, from 155,7 in the third quarter of 2024 to 163 in the third quarter of 2025, pointing to improved utilisation of available bed capacity across the hospitality sector.
The Tourist Arrivals Index measures changes in the volume of international visitors over time relative to a reference period, while the Room Night and Bed Night Occupancy Rate indices assess how efficiently hotels and lodges are utilising their available rooms and beds. Together, the indicators provide a comprehensive gauge of tourism sector performance, reflecting both visitor demand and operational efficiency. Zimstat said the indices were compiled using administrative data supplied by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA).
The latest performance comes as Zimbabwe continues to position itself as a competitive global tourism destination.
In 2025, the country was named the world’s best country to visit by Forbes magazine, one of the world’s leading international publications, a recognition that further boosted its international profile.
Government has set an ambitious target of building a US$10 billion tourism industry by 2030, underpinned by the National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy, which focuses on destination development, infrastructure investment, product diversification and increased arrivals.
