- International Arrivals Surged to 751,483 tourists
- Tourism Receipts Increased to an estimated $493 million in 2024
- Hotel Occupancy Rates Rose to 44%, driven by international visitors to Victoria Falls and business tourism
Harare-Zimbabwe’s tourism sector has shown remarkable growth in the first half of 2024, with international tourist arrivals increasing by 27% to 751,483 from 592,567 compared to the same period in 2023 according to the latest United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNTWO) Tourism Barometer.
This surge was attributed to the global tourism recovery, improved transportation infrastructure enhancing accessibility, and effective marketing efforts by the Authority promoting the country as a unique and appealing destination.
‘’This significant rise in international tourist arrivals to Zimbabwe can be attributed to several factors; the ongoing global tourism recovery has spurred a surge in travel as people are more eager to embark on adventures and the Improved transportation infrastructure has enhanced accessibility, making it easier for tourists to visit,’’ UNTWO said.
Hotel occupancy rates climbed from 41% in 2023 to 44% in 2024, driven by international visitors to Victoria Falls and business tourism in Harare, Kariba, and Hwange post COVID-19 restrictions.
With souring tourist arrivals which fuelled higher occupancies , international receipts amounted to US$336 million.
Domestically, tourism spending increased to US$158 million.
Cumulatively , tourism receipts rose by 24% to an estimated US$493 million.
Headlining the international arrivals growth was the Oceania with 22,185 arrivals ,a 150% from 8,869 arrivals in the same period in 2023 while, Americas and Europe both had a 50% growth to 59,417 from 39,547 and to 101,936 from 67,976 respectively.
Africa remained Zimbabwe’s largest source market with 524,883 visitors an 18% increase from comparative period.
The arrivals from the Middle East saw a downturn of 49% from 3,532 in 2023 to 1,812.
To boost tourism attractions, measures have been taken with some in motion, both at national and corporate level.
At the company level, the largest hotelier group, African Sun, has refurbished the public areas of Hwange Safari Lodge and is selling its underperforming operations, such as the Monomotapa Hotel, to boost funds for its niche hotels.
RTG has also actively enhanced its offerings, particularly at the Rainbow Towers Hotel and Conference Centre, which underwent extensive renovations from March 29 to July 31, 2024.
During the year (2024), it refurbished 24 standard rooms into six diplomatic suites tailored for high-profile guests, increasing the hotel’s total to nine diplomatic suites and one presidential suite, while forty-eight standard rooms were modernised into luxurious accommodations, and guest elevators ,thus enhancing security with a new floor access control system.
As a results RTG managed to host high-profile events such as SADC Summit ,the SADC Industrialisation Week , contributing to the visitors numbers.
Meikles Hotel was refurbished and rebranded to Hyatt Regency.
At national level, the government is upgrading R.G Mugabe International Airport and the Victoria Falls international Airport anticipated to attract more international airlines ultimately leading to substantial increase in tourist arrivals.
Fly Namibia and Uganda airlines also launched new flight routes from Zimbabwe.
The 2024 FBC Zimbabwe Open golf tournament further positioned the country as a premier sports tourism destination.
Equity Axis News
