Zimbabwe Tourism Booms: 385K Arrivals & $251M Revenue in Q1 Surge

Written By: Abhirup Gan

Abhirup Gan

I'm Abhirup Gan, a Mass Communication graduate and digital marketing professional. Driven by a passion for storytelling, I create insightful, research-led content that explores tourism trends, destination stories, and hospitality developments with depth and clarity. Through my writing, I hope to inspire readers to discover not only where to travel, but the stories, cultures, and experiences that make every journey meaningful.

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August 14, 2026 11:38 GMT+5:30

Image generated with Ai

Zimbabwe tourism has started 2026 with numbers that are difficult to ignore. International tourist arrivals climbed 11% year on year to 384,561 in the first quarter, up from 347,555 during the same period in 2025, while tourism receipts rose 14% to US$251 million from US$221 million. The latest Zimbabwe Tourism Authority figures place the country firmly among Southern Africa’s destinations experiencing renewed visitor demand. The arrival figure is just short of 385,000, while the revenue increase has outpaced visitor growth. That combination has put tourism spending, safari travel and international connectivity firmly into the first-quarter story.

Tourist Arrivals Cross the 380,000 Mark

The first-quarter performance represents 37,006 additional international visitors compared with the same period last year.

Africa remained Zimbabwe’s dominant source region, accounting for approximately 75% of total international arrivals. Visitor numbers from African markets increased 9% to 287,062, while arrivals from overseas markets rose 16% to 97,453.

That market distribution matters for Zimbabwe because the country’s tourism network serves both regional travellers and long-haul visitors seeking wildlife, landscapes, heritage and adventure.

The figures also show that Zimbabwe’s tourism story is not being driven by one market alone. Regional travel remains the largest component, while overseas demand is growing at a faster rate.

Tourism Receipts Rise Faster Than Arrivals

Here comes the money part of the story.

Tourism receipts increased from US$221 million to US$251 million, a 14% year-on-year rise according to the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority’s first-quarter performance figures.

The stronger revenue performance alongside an 11% increase in arrivals indicates greater tourism value being generated during the quarter. Zimbabwe’s tourism offering includes premium safari lodges, guided wildlife experiences, adventure activities, accommodation and destination excursions across several major tourism regions.

The country is also targeting US$1.56 billion in tourism revenue for 2026, alongside a target of 1.87 million international arrivals for the full year.

Safari Tourism Remains a Major Attraction

Zimbabwe’s wildlife circuits remain central to the international visitor experience.

Hwange National Park, the country’s largest national park, is known for elephants and a wide variety of wildlife. The park can be combined with Victoria Falls, creating a popular itinerary that links wildlife viewing with one of Africa’s most recognised natural attractions.

Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides another major safari destination, particularly around the Zambezi River and its floodplains.

The Victoria Falls region adds adventure tourism to the mix, with activities including guided walks, river experiences, scenic flights and white-water rafting in suitable seasons and locations.

For travellers planning a Zimbabwe itinerary, these destinations allow a combination of wildlife, nature, adventure and cultural experiences rather than a single-stop holiday.

Victoria Falls Remains a Major Gateway

Victoria Falls continues to play a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s international tourism profile.

The town provides access to the waterfall and surrounding attractions, while Victoria Falls Airport connects the destination with regional and international gateways.

Travellers can also begin their Zimbabwe journey in Harare, the capital, which serves as an important commercial and transport centre. Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport is the country’s principal international gateway and connects Zimbabwe with several regional destinations.

The country’s local currency is the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), although US dollars are widely used in tourism transactions. Travellers should check current payment arrangements and exchange requirements before departure.

Domestic Tourism Adds Another Layer

International visitors were not the only travellers moving through Zimbabwe during the quarter.

Estimated domestic tourism trips reached 2.62 million in Q1 2026, up from 1.94 million in the corresponding period of 2025, representing a 35% increase. The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority attributed the rise largely to social, religious and study-related travel.

Hotel performance also edged upwards. National average hotel room occupancy reached 38%, compared with 37% during the same period a year earlier.

The combination of international arrivals and domestic travel has therefore strengthened activity across Zimbabwe’s wider tourism economy.

Air Connectivity Supports Visitor Growth

Improved air connectivity has also featured in the sector’s recent growth.

Zimbabwe’s tourism authorities have linked the stronger performance to expanded domestic and regional flight networks, improved destination marketing and greater international recognition.

For international visitors, air access remains particularly important when combining Zimbabwe with neighbouring destinations such as South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Namibia.

Multi-country Southern African itineraries can also connect Victoria Falls with safari areas across the region, giving international travellers the option of combining several destinations during one journey.

Key Stats

• 384,561: International tourist arrivals in Q1 2026
• 11%: Year-on-year growth in international arrivals
• US$251 million: Tourism receipts in Q1 2026
• 14%: Year-on-year growth in tourism receipts
• 287,062: Arrivals from African markets
• 97,453: Arrivals from overseas markets
• 75%: Share of arrivals originating from Africa
• 2.62 million: Estimated domestic tourism trips
• 38%: National average hotel room occupancy
• US$1.56 billion: Zimbabwe’s 2026 tourism revenue target

Timeline and Events

Q1 2025: Zimbabwe recorded 347,555 international tourist arrivals and US$221 million in tourism receipts.

January–March 2026: International arrivals reached 384,561, while tourism receipts climbed to US$251 million.

Q1 2026: Domestic tourism increased to an estimated 2.62 million trips.

2026: Zimbabwe set annual targets of 1.87 million international arrivals and US$1.56 billion in tourism revenue.

FAQ

1. How many international tourists visited Zimbabwe in Q1 2026?
Zimbabwe recorded 384,561 international arrivals during the first quarter of 2026, an 11% increase year on year.

2. How much tourism revenue did Zimbabwe generate?
Tourism receipts reached US$251 million in Q1 2026, up 14% from US$221 million in the comparable period.

3. Which places should tourists visit in Zimbabwe?
Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park and Mana Pools are among the country’s major attractions for waterfall sightseeing, wildlife viewing, adventure and nature travel.

Dates

Q1 2025: 347,555 international arrivals recorded.
January–March 2026: 384,561 international arrivals and US$251 million in tourism receipts recorded.
Q1 2026: Domestic tourism reached an estimated 2.62 million trips.
2026: Zimbabwe targets 1.87 million international arrivals and US$1.56 billion in tourism revenue.

Conclusion

The first three months of 2026 in Zimbabwe have recorded an 11 per cent rise in tourist arrivals as well as an increase of 14 per cent in tourism earnings. With 385,000 tourist arrivals, US$251 million in tourism earnings and 2.62 million domestic arrivals, there is definitely some movement in the tourism industry in terms of numbers for both local and international markets. The Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park and the Mana Pools remain the main attractions for the tourism product of this destination.