Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]
Zimbabwe’s tourism sector recorded a strong performance in the first quarter of 2026, with international tourist arrivals and tourism receipts registering double-digit growth, underscoring the industry’s growing competitiveness and global appeal.
According to the First Quarter Tourism Performance Report provided by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), international tourist arrivals increased by 11 percent to 384 515 during the period under review, up from 347 555 recorded in the corresponding period last year.
Tourism receipts also surged by 14 percent to an estimated US$251 million from US$221 million in the first quarter of 2025.
Increased demand, improved air connectivity, stronger destination marketing efforts and sustained recognition of Zimbabwe as a leading tourism destination supported the robust growth.
The report noted that domestic tourism also maintained a strong upward trajectory, with estimated domestic trips rising by 35 percent to 2,62 million from 1,94 million in the same period last year.
“International tourist arrivals increased by 11%, from 347,555 in 2025 to 384,515, while tourism receipts grew by 14% to US$251 million, up from US$221 million. Domestic tourism also strengthened, with trips rising to an estimated 2.62 million from 1.94 million, indicating improved local market participation,” the report said.
The positive performance comes amid growing international recognition of Zimbabwe’s tourism offerings.
The country continues to benefit from global exposure following its inclusion among Forbes’ top tourism destinations in 2025 and accolades received at the ITB Berlin 2026 tourism exhibition.
Analysis of source markets shows that Africa remains Zimbabwe’s dominant tourism source region, accounting for 75 percent of total arrivals during the first quarter.
Arrivals from African markets increased by 9 percent to 287 062 visitors from 263 687 recorded in the prior-year period.
On the other hand overseas arrivals grew at a faster pace of 16 percent to 97 453 from 83 868, reflecting renewed interest from long-haul markets.
The share of overseas visitors increased marginally to 25 percent from 24 percent in 2025.
The growth in arrivals translated into increased tourism spending, with both domestic and international visitors contributing to higher sector earnings.
Tourism investments also registered a significant increase, jumping to US$67,8 million from US$12,6 million during the same period last year, representing a 438 percent increase.
The report attributed this growth largely to a registration and regularisation exercise undertaken by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), which brought previously unregistered facilities into the formal sector.
“A notable increase was registered in terms of tourism investments. This surge is due to the recent registration blitz carried out by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) on tourism operators, which resulted in regularisation of some facilities which were not regularised.”
Hotel performance also improved, with average room occupancy edging up to 38 percent from 37 percent in the first quarter of 2025.
