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The tourism industry in Zimbabwe is on the rise after suffering a major impediment brought about by COVID-19, which ravaged industries globally.
This came to light today when the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Barbra Rwodzi was addressing journalists ahead of World Tourism Day this Wednesday.
Rwodzi said the industry has noted increases in tourist arrivals, receipts, and investments largely attributed to the increase of travel and trade in the region, introduction of new airlines, among other factors.
“During the first half of 2023, the country registered an increase of 62% international tourist arrivals from 366 062 in 2022 to 591 524 in 2023,” she said.
Rwodzi also noted that the ongoing global tourism recovery and the engagement and re-engagement efforts gave birth to endorsements by a number of international organizations, thereby adding value to Zimbabwe’s tourism.
Despite the disputed pre-election and election environment, Rwodzi said the peaceful elections period worked in favour of the industry as tourists felt it safe to arrive and tour.
‘A marked increase in tourism receipts was also realised with an estimated rise of 16% from US$343 million in 2022 to US$398 million in 2023 over the same period.
The total amount of investments in 2023 increased by 24% compared to the same period in 2022, recording a total of US$120 million up from US$96.5 million,” she added.
This year’s theme for World Tourism Day, which is this Wednesday, is Tourism and Green Investments, which is emphasising on investing in people.
The Tourism Ministry has promised to promote SME tourism business, religious tourism, community-based tourism (rural and township), sports tourism, and policy framework, among other key issues.