Business Reporter
THE adoption of the MICE strategy by the Zimbabwe Tourism sector continues to deliver huge dividends following revelations that in the just ended year tourism arrivals increased by 26,8% in just six months.
The global MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry, valued at approximately £510-550 billion, presents a significant opportunity for Zimbabwe as the country aims to tap into the market by showcasing its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and improving infrastructure.
Data shared at an induction workshop for the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Tourism in Mutare last week shows massive growth in cross-border tourism, with international tourist arrivals rising by 27 percent in 2024.
International tourist arrivals increased from 592 567 in 2023 to 751 483 in the first half of 2024.
During this same period, tourism receipts grew by 24 percent, rising from approximately US$398 million in 2023 to around US$493 million in 2024.
Specifically, an estimated 1,4 billion international tourists were recorded globally in 2024, an 11 percent increase over 2023, representing 140 million additional tourists.
Preliminary estimates indicate that total tourism revenues reached USD$1,9 trillion in 2024, approximately three percent higher than the pre-pandemic levels and four percent above 2019 figures.
Among the primary objectives of the three-day workshop was strengthening the ability of the committee to effectively execute its oversight mandate over the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry’s policies, strategies and programmes in the tourism and hospitality sector, capacitate the committee to be able to advocate for the growth of domestic and international tourism as well as to equip the committee with the necessary knowledge and information to address the challenges confronting the tourism and hospitality industry.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Honourable Babra Rwodzi, said: “As a ministry and our agencies, we are ready to have an open and transparent discussion for our portfolio committee members to understand what it is that we do, what it is we are mandated to do and what it is that we should do.”
