ZIMBABWE’s tourism industry is expected to surge by 6.9% in 2024, driven by rebounding interest from international tourists and improved accessibility made possible by infrastructure investments. The latest official tourism statistics for the country, covering January to September 2023, show a 52% increase in tourist arrivals compared with the same period in 2022, as numbers rebounded to over one million. As a result, tourism receipts increased by 18%, from US$615 million to US$724m.A total of ZWL71 billion (US$196m) has been allocated to the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality to spearhead tourism development and destination marketing of the country this year. “Based on the priority of image building and international re-engagement, Government will continue to capitalise on destination competitiveness, which relates to inherited endowments resources such as climate and scenery, as well as competitive advantages such as tourism infrastructure, hotels, transportation networks, festivals and events,” said Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Mthuli Ncube, when delivering the 2024 Budget speech.Investing in infrastructureNcube partly attributed the rise in tourist arrivals to “continued investments in the tourism industry, particularly airports and hotels”. Karl Parkinson, Head of Partnerships at African Bush Camps, cited the opening of the new international terminal at Robert Mugabe International Airport in July last year – which has seen annual passenger capacity expanding from 2.5 million to six million – as a significant driver of growth. “The domestic terminal is currently being built and is due to open in late 2024. This will assist the arrivals experience for travellers going to Mana Pools and Matusadona National Parks.” Parkinson added that tourism recovery in Zimbabwe had largely been limited to Victoria Falls. “Sadly, we haven’t seen the same demand for Hwange National Park or Mana Pools yet and arrivals are still behind those of 2019.”The visitor experience at Hwange is expected to be boosted by the construction of a new tourism complex under a 25-year partnership agreement between the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and the International Fund for Animal Welfare. With an expected completion date of June, the complex at Hwange’s main entrance point is a mixed-use development including a visitor centre, tourism offices, a car park, housing for wildlife rangers and a new gate. “This new complex will greatly increase the visibility of Hwange National Park, improve the visitor experience, enhance security and help reposition the park as a competitive and must-visit destination,” said Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Mangaliso Ndlovu. Ncube pointed out that the tourism sector is also set to benefit from US$1m allocated towards renovations and rehabilitation of the Great Zimbabwe ruins and development of protected area management plans for national parks.“The private sector is also complementing Government’s efforts to boost the tourism industry marked by the surge in private-sector tourism investments,” Ncube pointed out, highlighting the opening of the Bulawayo Sterling Hotel and refurbishments of African Sun Limited’s Hwange Safari Lodge as significant projects.
APTA
Association For The Promotion Of Tourism To Africa
