Zimbabwe's tourism revenue rises to US$1 billion in 2023

ZIMBABWE’S tourism receipts increased by a remarkable 22 percent last year to reach US$1,1 billion, while international tourist arrivals stood at 1,6 million, up from one million in 2022, signalling a strong recovery of the sector following a devastating Covid-19 pandemic.

The tourism industry, which is one of the country’s major economic sectors contributing at least 5 percent to the gross domestic product, was hardest hit as the world imposed travel restrictions and national lockdowns to combat Covid-19, a respiratory infection that was first detected in China in December 2019 before spreading worldwide.

In 2022, the sector recorded US$911 million in revenues.

Since the lifting of travel restrictions and national lockdowns by the World Health Organisation in 2022, Zimbabwe’s tourism sector and that of the globe have been on a major rebound as people visited the country on business and educational missions, as well as leisure activities like safari hunting and sporting.

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation, through its world tourism barometer, indicated that international tourism ended last year at 88 percent of pre-pandemic levels, with an estimated 1,3 billion international arrivals.

The world tourism body attributed this to the reopening of international borders and increased marketing of destinations by most countries across the globe.

Prior to the pandemic, Zimbabwe’s tourism receipts were US$1,25 billion in 2018, while arrivals were at an all-time high of 2,6 million.

According to statistics leaked to this publication from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), the tourists were mainly from the traditional source markets — Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

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The statistics also indicate that the value of investments into the tourism sector last year declined by 45 percent to US$172 million from US$312,5 million in the prior year.

In an interview with The Sunday Mail Business, Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe president Mr Wengayi Nhau said, from the above international tourist arrival statistics, the country’s tourism sector is on a sound path to recovery.

“As you might have also noticed, the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion reported that the tourism sector in the month of January to September of 2023 was the highest contributor to the GDP at 12,1 percent. This was ahead of mining, agriculture and manufacturing,” said Mr Nhau.

“So, getting just that statement from the Ministry of Finance that we were the highest contributor means a lot in terms of the recovery compared to where we were pre-pandemic levels in terms of our contribution, as well as general performance of the sector.

“There is quite a lot of improvement in terms of arrivals, in terms of the money generated and people are spending a little bit longer than they were spending before the pre-pandemic period.

“We are also on a drive to increase the length of stay — it’s not about the number of people who come to a country, you might still get one million people coming into a country but spending an average of 10 nights per person. That gives you much more in terms of revenue than from 1,5 million who are coming and staying an average of three nights.”

Mr Nhau said the local tourism industry needs to continue implementing measures that ensure tourists increase the number of days they stay in the country.

“Like we are doing, collaborating with different destinations. Victoria Falls and Kariba are collaborating a lot, Harare and Kariba are collaborating a lot and also Bulawayo and Victoria Falls are collaborating so that when people arrive in Harare they can then go to Mana Pools, Kariba, Victoria Falls . . . that gives us more nights and more revenue and, of course, investments,” he said.

As part of efforts to increase the length of stay in Zimbabwe by tourists, Mr Nhau said some tourism facilities in resort centres such as Kariba were being resuscitated.

Source: Zimbabwe's tourism revenue rises to US$1 billion in 2023null (17/03/24)

Zim, Zambia broaden cooperation

 ZIMBABWE and Zambia yesterday kicked off the 18th session of the two countries’ Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC), with both SADC member-states pledging to build on the already existing cordial bilateral relations.

The two countries’ relations continue to grow in leaps and bounds as cooperation across various sectors is on an upward trend.

The previous JPCC between the two countries saw various agreements being signed including MoUs on the establishment of the Victoria Falls-Livingstone One-Stop Border post, an MoU concerning cooperation on the management and preservation of Zimbabwe Liberation War gravesites, another on culture and one on gender equity, equality, and women economic empowerment, among others.

These subsequently set the tone for the 18th session which will see more agreements being signed in various areas.

Addressing delegates at the official opening of the session in Harare yesterday, acting Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and international Trade Ambassador Rofina Chikava said Harare and Lusaka shared a strong bond that transcends boundaries.

This, she said, had been evidenced by Zambia’s recent call for a total removal of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe.

“Co-chair, let me start by acknowledging the excellent bilateral relations that exist between the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Republic of Zambia. Characterised by high-level visits between the two countries, these relations have continued to grow and can be traced back to the times when Zimbabwe was fighting for liberation from the colonial Britain.

“In the post-colonial, the two countries have continued to enjoy strong diplomatic ties and co-operation in various sectors. We acknowledge and applaud our dear brothers in Zambia for standing with us in calling for the removal of all sanctions imposed on our country.

“Let me also highlight the bilateral history between Zimbabwe and Zambia, which has a significant impact on the political, economic, and social development of both countries,” she said.

Ambassador Chikava said the two countries continue to cooperate not only on regional issues, but also on various international fora which have furthered their solidarity and shared identity.

“Zimbabwe and Zambia have supported each other in various international forums, advocating for common interests and promoting peace and stability in the region. The two countries continue to witness cultural exchanges and people-to-people interaction, further strengthening the ties between Zimbabwe and Zambia and fostering a sense of solidarity and shared identity.

“Educational exchanges, joint research projects, and sports competitions have all contributed immensely in the connection between the two nations, enhancing the mutual understanding and cooperation.

“Co-chair, we were sharing when we were sitting in our tête-à-tête meeting that even at football, we can fight as Zambia and Zimbabwe, if one goes forward, the other country supports the other for the integrity of our two countries,” she said.

Zimbabwe and Zambia, said Ambassador Chikava, were making concerted efforts to mitigate their respective citizenry from climate change effects.

Thus the cushioning of both peoples was a top priority.

Zambia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Etambuyu Gundersen said the two countries would continue enhancing their co-operation for their mutual benefit.

“You will recall that at the last session which was held in Lusaka in 2018, our two sides agreed to enhance co-operation in various areas.

“These include foreign affairs, tourism, energy, trade, industry, finance, agriculture, infrastructure, transport and communications, livestock and fisheries, education, as well as youth and sport, just to mention a few.

“Since then, we are still collaborating on the implementation and operationalisation of specific programmes, such as the one you mentioned, Victoria Falls-Livingstone One-Stop Border Post, in addition to the harmonisation of ICT systems at Chirundu, Kariba and Victoria Falls borders, among others,” she said.

Source: Zim, Zambia broaden cooperation (14/03/2024)

See Also

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (11th October 2017) Zim engages Zambia on one border post.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (25th October 2018) Zim, Zambia sign four MoUs.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (28th January 2019) Land Shortage Hits Zimra’s Victoria Falls Border Project.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (8th February 2019) Zimbabwe and Zambia to set up one-stop border post in Victoria Falls.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th March 2024) Zim, Zambia broaden cooperation.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (14th November 2025) Zimbabwe Extends Victoria Falls Border Post Hours To 24/7.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th November 2025) Mnangagwa, Hichilema co-chair Zimbabwe-Zambia BNC.

Vic Falls unlocks land for residential purposes

 VICTORIA Falls municipality says it has unlocked land under the Lands ministry and the Zimbabwe National Parks for housing development and town expansion.

Mayor Thuso Moyo told Southern Eye that the municipality was facing housing backlog challenges due to lack of land.

“The local authority has managed to get land from the Lands ministry and other stakeholders in the city. More land has been cleared for residential use,” Moyo said.

“Currently the council has 460 stands available for sale and these ones were granted to us by the Zimbabwe National Parks. The stands are located just two kilometers from the parks.”

Moyo said the municipality was given 13 000 hectares in Masuwe by the Lands ministry for housing development.

“The local authority is working on it. The land is run by two councils, both Hwange Rural District Council and Victoria Falls City Council. So saying there is no space for residential stands is now an understatement,” he said.

In April last year, former Victoria Falls mayor, Somveli Dlamini revealed that the local authority was working on a new master plan to unlock more land for residential purposes.

At the time, Dlamini said most of the land in the area was reserved for recreational purposes.

Source: Vic Falls unlocks land for residential purposes (21/02/24)

City of Victoria Falls finalising master plan ahead of June deadline

Story by Tichaona Kurewa, ZBC News

THE City of Victoria Falls has made significant progress in crafting a master plan ahead of the 30 June deadline to restore sanity in local authorities.

A master plan being developed through support from the International Finance Corporation will act as the blueprint for achieving this vision by addressing key issues like infrastructure development, responsible tourism practices, environmental protection, and community engagement.

City of Victoria Falls, Town Clerk Mr Ronnie Dube said, “We have started all the preliminary works, field studies and so forth, we are done with that. Currently, the consultant is working on our report of a study which should be presented to the council in a week or so.

“We are going to meet the end of June deadline. The master plan is important as it is the long-term planning document, which deals with zoning issues, land uses and many other issues related to how we use our land so that we come up with development that is well structured.”

Experts outlined the importance of the master plan.

A lawyer, Mr Tonderai Mutasa said, “The story does not end with the development of master plans by the local authority, it ends with the adherence to the master plan. Only compelling reasons must alter land use if there is to be order in local authorities. Once the master plan is followed, we will not have problems like illegal settlements within local authorities.”

“It is important for local authorities to have master plans to have proper and orderly development. All towns should have master plans to avoid haphazard development or unplanned settlements within the town. Without master plans, there will be sprouting of ugly settlements that will also be good grounds for diseases like cholera, etc,” said the former Mayor of Victoria Falls City, Alderman Nkosilathi Jiyane.

The Victoria Falls Master Plan presents a unique opportunity to unlock the full potential of the resort city in terms of tourism and other economic activities.

 Source:  City of Victoria Falls finalising master plan ahead of June deadline (20/02/24)

Investments to bear fruit for Zimbabwe’s tourism in 2024

 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.

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.”

Source: Investments to bear fruit for Zimbabwe’s tourism in 2024 (05/02/2024)

Battle to protect Vic Falls rages

 

RENOWNED wildlife and environment painter Larry Benjamin Norton last week exerted renewed pressure on Zimbabwean and Zambian authorities to stop more commercial enterprises being set up within the precincts of Victoria Falls, amid growing concern that such developments could cost the iconic site its world heritage status.

Norton, a Zimbabwean national and Victoria Falls resident, filed a High Court application in 2022 seeking to stop Adage Success and Scanner Investments from developing commercial enterprises at the heart of the Victoria Falls,  arguing that the business ventures would disrupt the ecological and aesthetic beauty of the global spectacle.

Judgement on the legal dispute case number, HC3576/22, in which the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Authority (Zimparks) and the Environmental Management Authority (Ema) are cited as key respondents among others, is yet to be handed down.

Last week, Norton presented his fresh concerns to Zambian and Zimbabwean representatives attending a Joint Technical Committee (JTC) meeting held at a local hotel in the resort town to deliberate on strategies to preserve its world heritage status.

Broadly, the JTC meeting was meant to deliberate on the Victoria Falls’ world heritage status.

The Victoria Falls, which is shared by Zimbabwe and Zambia, was accorded world heritage status by Unesco in 1989.

In 2022, Unesco warned that Victoria Falls risked losing its heritage status due to “individual and cumulative infrastructure developments” in restricted zones within the margins of the world’s  largest waterfall.

In a document seen by the Independent, Norton drew the attention of Zambian and Zimbabwean delegates to a myriad of commercial developments which he claimed threatened to discredit Victoria Falls.

 “At the outset we are all aware that the fragile Mosia Tunya/Victoria Falls world heritage site is under threat from developments and commercialisation on both sides of the river,” he said in a presentation to the meeting.

“Over two years ago myself and nine other applicants brought an urgent application to stop the commercialisation of the Cataract Islands by Adage Success and Zimparks and the construction of the Baines restaurant by Victoria Falls Investments.”

In his High Court application Norton, a globally renowned painter, maintained that the public was not consulted when rights to develop business sites in the sensitive areas of the Victoria Falls were granted to a number of firms.

“We maintain that no proper public consultations occurred with these operations and that Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) were defective.

“For the Cataract Island operation, a number of previous operators’ applications were turned down by Zimparks for environmental reasons,” wrote Norton.

Norton’s written submission was also furnished to Zimparks Victoria Falls area manager Marvellous Mbikiyana.

Citing a musical concert held in 2023 at the Cataract Island, Norton argued that the show organisers abused the site while triggering outrage from stakeholders.

“In early December 2023 the operators of Cataract Island clearly abused the island by facilitating a music event for a well-known European pop group. Videos of this outrageous abuse of the island went viral with broad condemnation from stakeholders and agents,” stated Norton.

“How can the authorities allow such an event? We stress the need to verify coordinates and place beacons around the world heritage site and we emphasise on the need to develop a blueprint of infrastructure development for the Victoria Falls. We further direct the Joint Technical Committee to finalise development of site maps.”

Some of the sites in the resort town which Norton indicated were under threat from commercial developments include the “Big Tree”, Rock Pool, Rainforest and Islands.

Norton questioned: “What is the agreement between Zambia and Zimbabwe on the so far untouched islands upstream of the falls itself? Why is there no transparent discussion on this? Are they up for grabs? Have they been allocated?”

“It is very difficult to understand why there is no discussion…on the limits of development of the Mosia Tunya world heritage site.”

He warned that if corrective remedy is not taken, future generations will blame authorities for ruining the Victoria Falls.

“I would ask that these points be noted and added to the minutes and documentation of the State of Conservation report in the interest of truth and transparency,” Norton underscored.

“If we fail to draw clear lines that offer absolute and permanent protection to this(site)…then we fail our own children and all future generations who will visit here.”

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The Victoria Falls, known in vernacular as Mosi a Tunya which translates to “the Smoke that thunders,” attracts over a million visitors annually.

 Source: Battle to protect Vic Falls rages (02/02/24)

Land crunch in Victoria Falls

 Leonard Ncube, leonard.ncube@chronicle.co.zw

GOGO Gertrude Masilani (79) from Victoria Falls has been diligently paying for her housing waiting list form since 2004, despite being unemployed and relying on vending for survival. 

Over the past two decades, Gogo Masilani, along with more than 7  000 home seekers, submitted their applications at the council’s housing office, hoping for a chance to secure a housing stand.

The Victoria Falls City Council faces a significant challenge with a housing backlog exceeding 18 000, exacerbating the national housing backlog of over 1,5 million. 

The city, attaining status in 2019, has witnessed a surge in housing demand. To address this, the council initiated the Kazungula Housing Scheme, receiving applications from eager home seekers for vetting and allocation.

The week-long application process saw the council housing office buzzing with activity, accompanied by long queues and increased business for photocopying services. 

To streamline the process, the council categorised applicants based on waiting list dates, ensuring transparency in the allocation process.

Responding to concerns, the local authority management acknowledged the land scarcity issue and pledged efforts to secure more land for future housing projects. 

“The council has registered over 18  000 people on the waiting list across all densities and more are still registering. The local authority has exhausted its available land bank and it will                                                                                                continue engaging Central Government and other local authorities in the quest to have more land allocated for future housing schemes,” said the council.

The Kazungula Housing Scheme introduces a “beneficiary pays model,” requiring a minimum deposit for high and medium-density stands, with preferences given to first-time home seekers. Beneficiaries will be required to pay a minimum deposit of US$3  000 for high density and US$5 000 for medium density as an initial deposit. The remaining balance shall be payable over a period of 12 months.

However, anxiety permeates among some applicants, citing past challenges due to a lack of pay slips. Many, like Thulani Mkhwebu, express hope for consideration, emphasising their ability to pay despite the absence of formal income documentation.

“I applied to be on the waiting list in 1998 and I never defaulted paying for it although I missed out on the previous schemes because I had no pay slip hence I was never invited for interviews. I applied again this time and I pray I get considered because even if I don’t have a pay slip I can afford to pay,” said Mkhwebu.

Another home seeker, Sithembekile Sibanda said she inherited her late father’s waiting list form and paid for it from 2002 until 2021 when she was told that she would not be able to get a stand through it as she is above 18 years. She then applied for hers in 2021 and she is not eligible for the stands.

There are scores of businesspersons who told Chronicle on condition of anonymity that they missed on previous schemes because of lack of pay slips but they have the capacity to pay for the housing stands.

One home seeker said he was bitter.

“Mine is from 1999 but I have been omitted several times previously. I don’t know where I am getting it wrong but I applied again this time hoping for luck. My worry is that I started staying here as a young boy and I have even built a home in Dete so that makes me a local. I am bitter because I have been paying for a stand for more than 20 years and now I am more than 50 years old and still renting,” he said.

As the vetting process unfolds, some individuals share unique circumstances, such as inheritances and prior repossessions, adding complexity to the housing allocation dynamics. The council emphasises transparency and fairness in prioritising applicants with offer letters from previous schemes.

Kenneth Mariridza of Hlalani Kuhle said he got on the waiting list for medium density in 2000 but decided not to submit an application because he benefited from the high density before. 

According to the country’s housing laws, a person cannot be allocated more than one stand in the same density but can have one in each density.

Source: Land crunch in Victoria Falls (29/01/2024)