Zimbabwe’s tourism sector is demonstrating robust growth in 2025, solidifying its position as a top-tier global destination. This positive momentum was the central focus at the recent Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) Summit in Harare, where industry and government leaders united to chart a strategic path forward.
Record-Breaking Performance and Economic Impact
Highlighting the sector’s success, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Secretary, Mr. Takaruza Munyanyiwa, revealed that tourism is now the leading contributor to the nation’s GDP growth.
The data supports this claim:
- A 9% increase in international tourist arrivals from January to September 2025.
- Tourism revenue climbed to US$900.22 million, up from US$839 million the previous year.
This rising global profile was further boosted by Zimbabwe being named the top destination for 2025 by Forbes, a recognition that officials say should inspire significant confidence in the market.
A Unified Call to Future-Proof the Sector
Despite the celebratory data, the summit’s theme, “Future-proofing Tourism in Zimbabwe,” underscored a proactive and cautious approach. Both Mr. Munyanyiwa and newly-elected HAZ President, Ms. Emmah Kativu, emphasized that the industry must adapt to shifting global trends and prepare for potential shocks.
“How do we future-proof our tourism and hospitality industry so that it does not only survive global shocks, but thrives through them?” Munyanyiwa asked attendees. “Sustainability is not an expense; it is an investment in the longevity of our industry.”
Three Pillars for Long-Term Success
The strategy to safeguard Zimbabwe’s tourism competitiveness rests on three key pillars:
- Collaboration & Partnerships: Ms. Kativu pledged to strengthen ties between HAZ, the Tourism Ministry, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), academia, and young professionals. “Together, we will build upon the strong foundation laid by our past presidents,” she stated.
- Innovation & Digital Transformation: Industry operators were urged to embrace innovation to meet evolving tourist expectations and stay ahead of regional competition.
- Investing in Sustainability: Leaders framed sustainability not as a cost, but as a crucial investment to ensure the industry’s resilience and long-term appeal.
Echoing the summit’s call to action, Ms. Kativu concluded, “The global landscape of tourism is evolving… It is our responsibility to adapt and innovate to meet these challenges. It is imperative that we remain ahead of the pack in the region.”
