Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, Zimpapers Business Hub
Zimbabwe recorded a significant rise in tourist arrivals in the second quarter of 2025, a strong indication of the country’s growing appeal as a competitive destination in the region.
According to the latest official statistics from Zimstats, a total of 471 041 tourist arrivals were recorded countrywide during the second quarter of 2025, compared to 381 293 in the same period last year.
“Basing on first quarter 2023, the second quarter 2025 tourist arrivals index was 173.2, reflecting a year-on-year percentage increase of 23,5 percent from 140.2 recorded in second quarter 2024,” the report said.
The statistics further show that the sector is on a firm recovery path after years of global disruptions, with Zimbabwe registering strong quarter-on-quarter performance.
“Quarter-on-quarter comparison showed that the index increased by 35,5 percent when compared to 127.8 recorded in first quarter 2025,” reads part of the report.
The Tourist Arrival Index, an indicator that shows relative changes in the number of international visitors arriving in the country over time, confirmed this upward trend and points to renewed confidence in Zimbabwe’s tourism offering.
Tourism experts say the steady increase in arrivals is a reflection of Zimbabwe’s unique tourism assets including Victoria Falls, Great Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park, Essten Highlands and a rich cultural heritage backed by improved connectivity and regional partnerships.
On Wednesday, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Tongai Mnangagwa said tourism is no longer a peripheral industry in Zimbabwe but is now the very heart of national economic agenda.
“In 2024, Zimbabwe welcomed over 1,6 million tourist arrivals, an increase from the previous year. The sector contributes about 17 percent to the growth of the GDP, placing it firmly alongside agriculture and mining as one of our most critical drivers of growth.
“Tourism has the distinction of being an ‘industry of industries’. It links to almost everything — from transport to agriculture to ICT, manufacturing and even to the creative economy,” he said.
