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Tapiwanashe Mangwiro
Senior Business Reporter
Zimbabwe recorded a 14 percent surge in visitors during the second quarter to June 2024, benefiting from a boom in leisure and business travel.
The numbers were revealed by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency in a presentation delivered by demographic analysis manager, Perfect Makumbe at a recent stakeholder briefing.
Arrivals totalled 1,08 million during the period under review, with 56 percent being returning residents while 35,1 percent were visitors from abroad.
A total of 414 878 holiday tourists visited Zimbabwe during the period under review, representing a 14 percent jump year-on-year compared to the second quarter of 2023.
Travel for business and shopping also surged markedly, after increases of 109,1 percent and 78,6 percent respectively.
“The increase in visitors, particularly for holiday, reflects growing confidence in Zimbabwe’s tourism sector,” Mr Makumbe noted.
He emphasised that the rebound in both business and leisure travel was vital for the country’s post-pandemic tourism recovery efforts.
The data also showed that African countries accounted for the majority of visitors, with 55,4 percent of the total, led by South Africa, which contributed 17,3 percent of the traffic. Other notable contributors included Mozambique and the United States, which accounted for 11,6 percent and 10,7 percent of the visitors, respectively.
In terms of modes of transport, road remained the most popular choice, with 69 percent while 30,1percent used air transport.
Beitbridge was the busiest border post, after 24,1 percent of the 286 414 road travellers passed through the entry point.
Among the 128 397 visitors who came to Zimbabwe using air travel, 62 percent arrived through Robert Gabriel Mugabe (RGM) Internatioal Airport.
Economist Tinevimbo Shava weighed in on the economic impact of the increased number of visitors, particularly for tourism purposes.
“Tourism plays a critical role in Zimbabwe’s economy,and the surge in visitors has had a positive ripple effect,” Mr Shavastated.
He noted that this comes after tourism receipts for the first six months of 2024 rose by 35 percent, reaching US$241 million.
“This increase in tourism revenue is significant, considering the broader challenges faced by Zimbabwe, such as currency volatility and infrastructural limitations,” Mr Shava added.
He also posited that the increase in business travellers could provide longer-term benefits.
“A rise in business visits suggests growing investor interest, which could pave the way for future collaborations and partnerships that will stimulate economic growth beyond tourism,” Mr Shava said.
The second quarter migration statistics underscore the importance of maintaining and enhancing the country’s appeal to both holidaymakers and business travellers.
As Zimbabwe continues to attract tourists and business travellers,the potential for further economic growth, particularly in foreign exchange generation and job creation, remains promising.
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