Chronicle Editor
Harare Bureau
ZIMBABWE is the global tourist destination that has soared the most in popularity since 2019, according to a list compiled by a British newspaper, The Daily Telegraph.
The 2023 Telegraph Travel Awards, published on Tuesday last week, ranked Zimbabwe above other popular destinations such as Egypt, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Madagascar, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
In the regional category, Zimbabwe was ranked seventh top tourist destination in Africa, after South Africa, Kenya, Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania and Zambia.
The Telegraph listed Zimbabwe as the “biggest riser” in popularity since 2019 on a list of 10 countries, eclipsing powerhouses such as Brazil, France, Spain and Malaysia. Over 30 000 readers of the newspaper voted in a poll to rank the most popular tourist destinations in the world, covering 20 different categories, ranging from airlines and hotel groups to cruise operators.
“Our survey is a long, thorough one, which takes time and thought to complete. But almost 30 000 readers have risen to the challenge and provided us — once again — with the most important, influential and independent insight into the world of travel…Those that have excelled in our awards have only done so because they meet your exacting standards. And, as we can see from the sheer numbers and the wide range of destinations and companies which are rated, Telegraph readers are hugely adventurous and experienced travellers.”
Readers cited Zimbabwe’s rich history and culture, as well as its stunning natural beauty, as reasons for its growing popularity. The country is home to several Unesco World Heritage Sites, including the Great Zimbabwe Monument, Victoria Falls and the Matobo National Park. Zimbabwe has also been praised for its safety and security.
Latest data from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) shows that more than 100 000 foreign tourists visited the country during the first three months of this year. The Telegraph’s list is a welcome boost to Zimbabwe’s tourism industry, which has been struggling in recent years due to disruptions occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic.
In recent times, Zimbabwe has welcomed A-listers such as British business magnate and commercial astronaut Sir Richard Branson, English Premier League star John McGinn (Aston Villa), Hollywood superstar Steve Harvey and Chinese billionaire Jack Ma.
ZTA head of corporate affairs Mr Godfrey Koti said tourist arrivals are increasing.
“Since the relaxation of the Covid-19-induced travel restrictions, the sector has been looking up. Tourists from the UK, the US, Germany and the Middle East account for the bulk of the tourists coming into the country. We had about 108 000 foreign visitors in the first quarter of the year, and we are projecting that an additional 450 000 will visit during the second-half of the year.”
In 2020, Government launched the National Tourism and Recovery Strategy that seeks to achieve a US$5 billion tourism economy by 2025.
Online Reporter