TOURISM players this week predicted that the industry will generate over US$1,3 billion in receipts in 2025, as global travel recovers and tourists return to the country's resorts.
Interest in travelling to Zimbabwe had declined significantly since the Covid-19 pandemic grounded airlines and restricted international travel, resulting in a 90% drop in foreign tourist arrivals in 2020.
According to Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) acting chief executive officer William Stima, the country has the potential to attract 2,1 million foreign visitors this year, provided it revamps its infrastructure.
“We are optimistic about 2025, with expectations for sustained growth as global travel continues to normalise,” he told businessDigest.
“The sector is estimated to surpass US$1,3 billion in tourism receipts and reach 2,1 million in international tourist arrivals. To maximise opportunities, we must continue diversifying our tourism product offerings, investing in marketing campaigns, and enhancing infrastructure development so as to position Zimbabwe as a competitive, must-visit destination.”
Stima said the authority would foster partnerships with airlines to promote the destination.
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“We are targeting over 2,1 million arrivals. Initiatives include ramping up international marketing campaigns, hosting travel expos, enhancing destination accessibility, and fostering partnerships with airlines and regional bodies to promote Zimbabwe as a preferred destination,’’ Stima added.
Over the past few years, the country has witnessed notable investments, which include the Palm River Hotel, Zambezi Boutique Guesthouse, Mbano Lodge, Guest Lodge, among other investments in Victoria Falls.
Setting up vehicle hire companies, accommodation facilities, travel agencies, house boats and restaurants ac counted for the greater percentage of the investments.
Mosi oa Tunya Company, a company under the Ministry of Tourism, initiated a joint venture agreement with Old Mutual Life Assurance Company on feasibility studies for bulk infrastructure development in Masuwe, Victoria Falls.
The company was allocated 271 hectares of prime land earmarked for tourism development in the resort city.
Financial services group Old Mutual Zimbabwe Limited opened the US$24,6 million Palm River Hotel in 2021.
The four-star facility, a world class real estate gem on the shores of the Zambezi River, is a partnership between Old Mutual and Spencer Creek, an established tourism firm with significant interests in the industry.
Government has put in place initiatives meant to attract investors and to boost the performance of the sector.
These include the extension of the duty exemption facility on tourism capital goods.
The bulk of African governments, including Zimbabwe, have failed to intervene with bailouts to save industries, or chip in with tax relief measures to defuse the crisis.