Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
Zimbabwe has emerged as the leading African contributor to South Africa’s tourism boom in 2025, surpassing traditional regional sources such as Namibia, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania and Botswana.
According to a report by South African publication Travel and Tour World, the surge was attributed to strong regional ties, improved air and road connectivity and growing interest among Zimbabweans in South Africa’s cultural, natural and urban attractions.
This development underscores the pivotal role of transport infrastructure and aviation diplomacy under Zimbabwe’s Second Republic, which has positioned the country as an economic enabler and a key player in regional tourism recovery.
“Zimbabwe has overtaken several African nations, becoming one of the largest sources of tourism growth for South Africa in 2025,” the report stated. “The surge in visitors from Zimbabwe, along with continued growth from other African nations, has significantly contributed to record-breaking increases in South Africa’s international tourist arrivals.”
African markets accounted for 76 percent of South Africa’s total tourist arrivals in 2025, with Zimbabwe solidifying its position as the largest African source market.
Geographic proximity, road networks and long-standing trade and travel relations have made Zimbabwe a consistent and vital contributor to regional tourism flows.
“African visitors accounted for a dominant 76 percent of South Africa’s total tourist arrivals. This trend highlights the importance of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries and other key African nations in driving the boom.
“Among these, Zimbabwe has stood out, emerging as one of the leading contributors to South Africa’s tourism growth. With strong road connections and well-established trade and travel relations, Zimbabwe has consistently been a major source of visitors to South Africa. Despite minor fluctuations, such as a slight decrease in visitor numbers in January, Zimbabwe has remained a cornerstone of South Africa’s tourism flow.”
Zimbabwe’s own aviation and infrastructure investments have played a crucial supporting role.
The US$153 million upgrade of Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, completed in 2023, increased annual passenger handling capacity to six million and modernised facilities.
Passenger traffic grew by 8.19 percent in the first three quarters of 2025, reflecting restored confidence in air travel.
Infrastructure enhancements have extended to road networks critical for regional trade and tourism. Key projects include, the ongoing rehabilitation of the Harare–Chirundu Highway, a vital link to Zambia and the northern SADC corridor.
Upgrades to the Beitbridge–Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway, improved freight movement and tourism access between South Africa and Zimbabwe’s prime destinations.
The commissioning of the Trabablas Traffic Interchange in Harare—a multi-million-dollar project featuring 15 bridges—which has eased congestion, improved traffic flow, and strengthened regional trade connectivity.
These investments, part of Zimbabwe’s broader infrastructure drive under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme 2 (ERRP2), have reduced transit times, lowered transport costs and enhanced the country’s role as a regional logistics hub.
Aviation safety and efficiency have also been strengthened through new air traffic control systems and secondary surveillance radar, aligning Zimbabwe’s navigation capabilities with international standards.
South Africa’s tourism sector has described 2025 as a “pivotal moment” in its post-pandemic recovery, with Zimbabwean visitors arriving in growing numbers by both road and air. Despite minor fluctuations early in the year, Zimbabwe has remained what industry observers call an “indispensable” part of South Africa’s tourism landscape.
Bongani Ndlovu