Zimbabwe records rise in Victoria Falls tourist arrivals

 Zimbabwe's tourism sector continues to register positive growth, with new figures showing an increase in visitor arrivals to the Victoria Falls Rainforest during the first quarter of 2026.

The latest statistics suggest that the country is building on the momentum generated by its growing international profile and ongoing efforts to position itself as a leading tourism destination in Africa.

According to official first-quarter data released by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, visitor arrivals to the iconic Victoria Falls Rainforest increased from more than 60,000 during the first quarter of 2025 to over 64,000 during the same period this year.

The increase reflects sustained interest in one of Zimbabwe's most important tourism attractions and comes as the country seeks to expand tourism's contribution to economic growth, employment creation and foreign currency generation.

Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, remains the flagship of Zimbabwe's tourism industry and is widely regarded as one of the world's most spectacular natural attractions.

ZimParks Public Relations Manager, Luckmore Safuli, said the figures demonstrate growing confidence among both domestic and international visitors.

"The first-quarter statistics demonstrate growing confidence among visitors choosing Victoria Falls as their preferred destination," he said.

"We are continuously improving the visitor experience while ensuring the sustainable conservation of this unique ecosystem."

Safuli said authorities expect visitor numbers to continue rising throughout the year as tourism promotion efforts gather momentum.

"Going forward, we expect Victoria Falls to attract more visitors, thereby contributing to Zimbabwe's tourism growth. As ZimParks, we remain committed to ensuring that all tourists visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site enjoy a safe and premium experience," he said.

Tourism officials view the performance of Victoria Falls as a key indicator of the broader health of Zimbabwe's tourism industry, which has been identified as a strategic sector under the country's economic development plans.

The destination remains a major source of foreign currency earnings and supports thousands of jobs across hospitality, transport, retail and related industries.

Economic analyst Stevenson Dlamini said growth in tourist arrivals generates benefits far beyond the tourism sector itself.

"What makes these numbers important is that tourism has strong multiplier effects across the economy," he said.

"Every additional tourist supports employment, creates demand for local goods and services, and generates foreign currency earnings."

He added that increased visitor activity at Victoria Falls contributes to wider economic development in surrounding communities and across the national economy.

"Growth at Victoria Falls therefore translates into broader economic benefits for both local communities and the national economy," Dlamini said.

The tourism industry has continued to attract investment in recent years, with new hotels, eco-lodges and tourism facilities opening in and around Victoria Falls.

At the same time, authorities have intensified conservation efforts aimed at protecting the area's unique biodiversity and maintaining the destination's appeal for future generations.

Industry stakeholders believe the combination of infrastructure development, improved visitor experiences and enhanced marketing efforts is helping strengthen Zimbabwe's competitiveness in the regional tourism market.

The steady increase in arrivals also reflects growing confidence among travellers seeking nature-based and adventure tourism experiences.

As tourism activity expands, Victoria Falls continues to reinforce its status as one of Africa's premier tourism destinations and a cornerstone of Zimbabwe's tourism economy.

With visitor numbers trending upward and further investments expected across the sector, tourism authorities remain optimistic that the positive momentum will continue throughout 2026, supporting economic growth, job creation and foreign currency earnings.

Source: Zimbabwe records rise in Victoria Falls tourist arrivals (14/06/2026)

Cricket ground set to boost tourism

 Construction of the Victoria Falls Multipurpose Cricket Ground is gathering momentum, with residents and stakeholders expressing optimism that the facility will transform the city into a major sporting destination while creating new economic opportunities.

Once completed, the stadium is expected to play a significant role in boosting sports tourism and showcasing Zimbabwe on the global stage.

The facility is scheduled to be ready by the end of the year and is earmarked to host matches during the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, which Zimbabwe will co-host with South Africa and Namibia.

Construction works have advanced significantly, with the main pitch already completed and other key infrastructure taking shape.

Progress has also been recorded on Grandstands A, B and C, media centres, players’ changing rooms, VIP pavilions, as well as anti-doping and medical facilities.

To support the smooth operation of the venue, a dedicated substation and an additional 500 000-litre water reservoir have also been installed.

Residents believe the project will elevate Victoria Falls’ profile beyond its traditional tourism appeal and position the city as a leading sports tourism hub.

“The completion of the Falls Multipurpose Cricket Ground will put Victoria Falls on the map as a major sporting destination” said Nokuthula Moyo, a resident.

“International matches and tournaments will market our city to a global audience and boost its profile beyond tourism.”

Community members also expect the facility to generate employment opportunities in various sectors, including hospitality, transport, maintenance and event management.

“This facility will create employment opportunities for local people, from stadium operations and maintenance to hospitality and transport services. More events mean more income for families in our community,” another resident, Nickson Sibanda, said.

Others highlighted the potential for the stadium to attract sports enthusiasts from around the world, creating additional business opportunities for hotels, restaurants, tour operators and local entrepreneurs.

“The cricket ground will attract sports tourists who may not have visited Victoria Falls otherwise. Visitors coming for matches will also explore the Falls, stay in hotels, dine in restaurants and support local businesses,” another community member, Geraldine Moyo, added.

Beyond economic benefits, residents believe the facility will inspire young people to participate in cricket and other sporting activities, creating a pathway for talent development.

Source: Cricket ground set to boost tourism (12 June 2026)

KAZA states push for united front on wildlife conservation and elephant trade

 THE 21st Joint Management Committee meeting for the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) commenced in Victoria Falls on Monday, with five southern African nations rallying behind a common position on wildlife conservation and trade in elephant products.

The five-day gathering has brought together technical teams, senior officials and ministers from Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, which is currently serving as the coordinating country.

he meeting will culminate in Friday’s Ministerial Committee session, the apex decision-making body of the world’s largest transfrontier conservation area.
Among the key achievements since the 2024 KAZA Heads of State Summit is the mobilisation of €5 million from the European Union under the Natural Africa Programme.

KAZA Executive Director, Dr Nyambe Nyambe, said the funding would be used to update development plans, strengthen conservation strategies and support livelihoods across the region.

“Currently, just in one project, we are reaching up to 140,000 people across the landscape,” said Dr Nyambe.
A major issue expected to dominate discussions is the sustainable management of the region’s large elephant population, including the long-standing push for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to permit trade in elephant products.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Mr Simon Masanga, said the region’s collective influence should strengthen its position on the matter.

“We have one of the biggest elephant herds. It has always been an issue at CITES meetings that the region be allowed to trade in elephant products. We see gradual softening on the part of CITES,” said Mr Masanga.

“This should catalyse the conversation so that we are allowed to trade.”

He said Zimbabwe has provisionally been granted permission to utilise elephant leather for tradable products.

On climate resilience, Mr Masanga said favourable rainfall received in southern Zimbabwe during the recent rainy season had significantly reduced wildlife deaths caused by water shortages.

He added that Zimbabwe is increasingly using drones and information technology to monitor national parks, improving wildlife management while reducing the need for extensive physical patrols by rangers.

As the meeting progresses towards Friday’s ministerial session, the region is expected to speak with one voice on the global stage, leveraging its collective natural heritage to advance a sustainable future.

Source: KAZA states push for united front on wildlife conservation and elephant trade (8th June 2026)