Zimbabwe needs to unlock its tourism potential

Friday, August 31, 2018

There mustn’t be any hesitation in one’s mind that tourism continues to be one of the rapid growing and most dynamic sectors in the continent of Africa and this must therefore necessarily have Zimbabwe in it. Tourism has the possibility to develop jobs, boost up a comprehensive economy and decrease poverty (especially in the rural tourism sector).

Besides, it can be an important generator in terms of foreign currency as contributing significantly to the GDP. It is important, as a result, that we target on this segment as a quick win sector which does not need much kick start capital as other capital intensive sectors require.

 
As per the Africa Tourism Monitor Report (2016), published by the African Development Bank, out of an estimated 1.186 billion tourist arrivals per annum worldwide, Africa witnessed 62.5 million arrivals which represents a mere 5.3% of the total international arrivals figure. For instance, Spain alone with a population of 46 million lures around 60 million visitors every year.

 
UNWTO predicts that African tourism will carry on expanding and international tourist arrivals in Africa by 2030, will possibly reach an estimated 134 million visitors per annum. What will be our share in that? Out of the 62.5 million, Zimbabwe succeeded in attracting about 2.06 million visitors, showing the significant upside potential which still exists and needs to be tapped.

 
The 5 top ranking countries – Morocco, Egypt, South Africa, Tunisia, and Zimbabwe are the most visited African destinations while Algeria, Mozambique, and Kenya are also top most visited African countries. What do we need to do to release this potential in Zimbabwe?

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