Nqobile Bhebhe, Zimpapers Business Hub
Craft dealers at Dikweni Craft Centre in Matopos National Park are anticipating increased business during the festive season as local and foreign tourists flock to the area, providing a boost to the local economy through purchases of locally made wares.
The festive season traditionally attracts large numbers of visitors to the national park, with tourists visiting the iconic Cecil John Rhodes’ grave, rock paintings and dams, among other attractions.
The influx of visitors presents opportunities for craft dealers, who depend on tourism-related spending to sustain their businesses and livelihoods.
Dikweni Craft Centre chairperson Mr Brian Mabhena said the anticipated increase in tourist arrivals during the festive season was expected to translate into higher sales for craft traders.
“As we enter the festive season, we expect a lot of tourists to travel here to view Cecil John Rhodes’ grave, the rock paintings and some of the dams. Their visits assist us a lot because they purchase our wares,” said Mr Mabhena.
He said tour operators also played a critical role in supporting the craft market by ensuring that tourists stopped to browse and purchase locally made products.
“We also have tour operators who make sure they stop by our market.
“As Ward 6, a lot of families make a living through the purchase of various wares by tourists,” he said.
The craft centre offers various wares that appeal to tourists seeking locally made products and souvenirs, with their purchases contributing to household incomes and supporting economic activity in surrounding communities.
The tourism sector remains an important source of livelihood for communities around Matopos, with craft dealers benefiting from the spending of visitors exploring the area’s natural and cultural attractions.
The anticipated festive season business boom comes as Zimbabwe continues to promote its tourism attractions to international markets, with efforts to increase visitor arrivals creating opportunities for businesses operating within tourism destinations.
On Sunday, international buyers participating in the 2026 ZimTrade Export Week visited Matopos National Park, where they experienced the country’s wildlife, cultural heritage and conservation initiatives.
The buyers, drawn from Mozambique, Poland, Zambia, Eswatini, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the United Kingdom, China, Rwanda and Germany, were accompanied by officials from ZimTrade and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA).
One of the buyers said the excursion had inspired her to promote Zimbabwe’s tourism attractions to friends and colleagues back home.
She also spoke highly of the various wares sold at the craft market, highlighting the appeal of locally produced products to international visitors.
The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the country’s tourism offerings while exposing potential international partners to local businesses benefiting from tourist spending.
