Business Reporter
Zimbabwe’s tourism industry is poised for recovery despite a slowdown in performance during the first quarter of 2025, with both the Government and the private sector implementing strategic initiatives to drive growth in the medium to long term.
Presenting the 2025 Mid-Term Budget and Economic Review on Thursday, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, revealed that the tourism sector’s growth forecast has been revised downward.
“The tourism industry is now projected to grow by 2,9 percent in 2025, down from an initial projection of 4,3 percent,” said Professor Ncube.
“The downward revision is informed by lower performance of the sector in 2024 and the first quarter of 2025.”
International tourist arrivals declined by nine percent to 336 369 in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
The decrease is likely to dampen the country’s ambition of returning to pre-COVID-19 arrival levels of over 2 million annually.
Additionally, average hotel room occupancy dipped by 2 percent during the same period.
“All major tourist resort provinces recorded declines in average room occupancies except for Bulawayo, Midlands and Harare provinces,” said the Minister.
Compounding the sector’s woes, estimated tourism receipts and investments dropped by 16 percent and 25 percent, respectively.
The decline was recorded both in international and domestic tourism receipts.
Professor Ncube also noted that the withdrawal of Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) by developed countries is anticipated to exert further pressure on the sector.
The move particularly affects the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) segment, as several local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that previously hosted major events were reliant on ODA funding.
Despite the challenges, the outlook remains cautiously optimistic as Government and private stakeholders ramp up interventions aimed at rejuvenating the industry.
“Notwithstanding, there are several initiatives being implemented by the Government and private sector which are expected to promote growth of the tourism sector going forward,” said Professor Ncube.
Upgraded facilities at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and Victoria Falls International Airport, coupled with new and expanded airline services, are expected to significantly improve tourist access to the country.
The country is sharpening its focus on the MICE segment, capitalising on upcoming international events.
These include several SADC Ministers Meetings and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final scheduled for 19 September to 4 October 2025.
The tournament is expected to attract players, officials, media personnel and fans, boosting both business and leisure travel.
Prof Ncube added that the country’s hospitality sector is transforming, marked by several hotel upgrades and new property developments.
These are expected to not only increase bed capacity but also improve service delivery standards in line with international best practices.
New food outlets are under construction across the country, enhancing the country’s culinary offerings and contributing to the overall visitor experience.
The combination of these measures is seen as reflecting the country’s commitment to positioning tourism as a key economic driver, contributing to employment, foreign currency earnings and inclusive development.
As stakeholders work collectively to overcome the current setbacks, the sector’s medium-term prospects remain strong, underpinned by deliberate planning, policy support and growing investor confidence
