Tourist arrivals in Zimbabwe have increased by 11% in the first quarter of 2026, largely driven by the country’s growing global profile in the past few years, improved air connectivity, and increases in all regional markets.
This was revealed by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) in its Tourism Performance Highlights first quarter 2026 report.
‘’Zimbabwe’s tourism sector recorded strong growth in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting rising competitiveness, global recognition, and sustained demand. International tourist arrivals increased by 11%, from 347,555 in 2025 to 384,561, 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.
‘’This performance is reinforced by Zimbabwe’s growing global profile, including recognition by Forbes as one of the world’s top destinations in 2025 and the award for ‘Destination of the Year for Natural Wonders’ at ITB Berlin 2026, while the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Barbara Rwodzi (MP), was named Tourism Minister of the Year (Africa) due to the sector’s vigorous recovery and strategic growth under her direction.
‘’The positive trajectory is supported by improved air connectivity, expanded domestic and regional flight networks, and cluster-based tourism development initiatives. Below is a summary of tourism performance for the first quarter of 2026,’’ read part of the report..
According to the report, growth recorded across all regional markets also played a contributory factor to the positive showing with arrivals from Africa rising by 9%, while overseas arrivals grew by 16%. The share of overseas markets, which is typically the highest-spending segment, edged up from 24% in 2025 to 25% in 2026.
Africa as a continent accounted for 75% of total arrivals in Zimbabwe in the first quarter of 2026, slightly down from 76% recorded in 2025.
In terms of tourism receipts, the sector recorded about 14% increase from US$221 million in 2025 to US$251 million in 2026 driven by the a rise in both domestic and international spending.
On a negative note, route disruptions, and rising fuel costs, reduced inbound tourism by 12% in March. The drop impacted all source regions with the overseas markets bearing the most shock
