Zimbabwe's tourism industry is expected to reap rewards this year as the country continues to invest in its tourism establishments following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The expectations come on the back of a 24% increase in tourism receipts for the third quarter of 2023 (July-September), up to US$272 million from $219m in Q3 2022.

According to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s (RBZ) quarterly economic review for the quarter, tourist arrivals increased by 41.9% to 494 878, compared with 348 559 for the same period in 2022.

"The increase in tourist arrivals was attributed to the ongoing recovery in global tourism, improved transportation infrastructure, and marketing and promotion initiatives by players in the tourism industry," said the RBZ.

Investments in the local tourism industry in 2023 came from both local and foreign investors, with $300 million channelled into restaurants, hotels, lodges, safaris and game parks, reported Zimbabwean state-owned daily newspaper The Herald.

"We have seen a number of investments in the sector, be it new resorts or upgrading of the existing ones in order to stay abreast with the current trends. We have seen new lodges around the country and many game parks have also been upgraded," said Paul Matamisa, CEO of the Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe.

We Are Victoria Falls, the destination management partnership for Victoria Falls, provided Tourism Update with the following examples of recent investment and developments in the country’s tourism sector during 2023:

• Africa Albida Tourism conducted a refurbishment of the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge property.
• The Courtney Lodge opened in Victoria Falls.
• The Bayete Collection expanded its portfolio to include The Victorian Manor, Zimbara and Hwange Siding.
• Inzila Safaris launched mobile safaris in Hwange.
• Malachite Lodge, part of the Zambezi Crescent operations, opened in Zambezi National Park, Victoria Falls.
• The Victoria Falls Distillery Company opened in December.
• Simunye Theatre was launched in Victoria Falls.
• Baines Restaurant was launched in Victoria Falls.
• Woodlands Community Reserve was launched on the outskirts of Victoria Falls.

Improved regional air access

Zimbabwe also achieved improved regional air access last year, with FlySafair launching flights between Johannesburg and Victoria Falls, and Airlink launching flights between Mbombela (Nelspruit) and Victoria Falls.

Additionally, FlyNamibia will begin flying from Windhoek to Victoria Falls in April this year.

“We have fully recovered and grown our seat capacity to Victoria Falls. This is all thanks to the efficiency of our new Air Services Development Programme spearheaded by Airports Company of Zimbabwe,” said Shelley Cox, current Co-ordinator for We Are Victoria Falls.

Airports Company of Zimbabwe provided the following aircraft carrying capacity numbers into Victoria Falls International Airport:

Victoria Falls leads the charge

Natasha Dixon, PR & Internal Communications Specialist at African Bush Camps, told Tourism Update that recovery in Zimbabwe had been limited to Victoria Falls.

“We haven’t seen the same demand for Hwange or Mana Pools yet. Arrivals are still behind those of 2019.”

However, she did mention that some of its Zimbabwe camps continued to shine as some of its best-selling options.

Lodges at the Victoria Falls are optimistic that 2024 will herald record-breaking tourist numbers on the back of healthy occupancies during the second half of 2023.

“Accommodation occupancies are showing positive projections for the year. This year will see us strengthening our destination brand and roll out some exciting new campaigns to attract more families and young people, as well as our traditional and local visitors,” said Cox, highlighting that Zimbabwe was well-positioned to capitalise on the evolving interests of travellers.

“People feel a growing connection with nature and wilderness, and are looking for stillness, transformation and meaning. This has been accelerated by the pandemic and we are seeing greater interest in wellness, creativity, intergenerational trips, food, health and fitness.

“Our traditional markets have always been delighted by our wilderness, wildlife and charm, but our newer markets are increasingly thrilled by our spirit and the hearts of our people – manifesting through experiences like immersive e-biking, riverside yoga and locally crafted gin distilling and tours that utilise local ingredients and allow for interactions with members of our community.”