mbulelo smpofu
Sikhulekelani Moyo, mskhulekelani16@gmail.com
ZIMBABWE recorded over 1,2 million visitors during the third quarter of 2024, reflecting a 25,7 percent increase compared to the same period last year, the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) has said.
Presenting the third-quarter international migration statistics, ZimStat demographic analysis manager, Mr Perfect Makumbe, said 63,5 percent of these visitors were returning residents while 26,8 percent were international tourists.
“Zimbabwe recorded a total of 1 245 348 visitors during the third quarter of 2024. Of the 454 043 visitors who came to Zimbabwe during the quarter under review, 47,9 percent came for holiday purposes,” he said.
The data revealed a notable 4,8 percent increase in the proportion of international holidaymakers compared to the previous year. Other categories of visitors included transit travellers (26,5 percent), business travellers (18,2 percent), shoppers (5,1 percent), and those visiting for education purposes (2,3 percent).
African countries accounted for the majority of visitors, contributing 57,8 percent of the total. South Africa topped the list, representing 18,8 percent of all visitors.
In an interview, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Deputy Minister Tongai Mnangagwa attributed the surge in visitor numbers to President Mnangagwa’s engagement and re-engagement initiatives.
He also highlighted the success of the ministry’s “Meet and Greet” programme, which has encouraged global interest in Zimbabwe as a holiday destination.
Deputy Minister Mnangagwa said the engagement efforts are bearing fruit, and Zimbabwe is gaining recognition as a prime tourist destination. He said the continued rise in visitor numbers underscores Zimbabwe’s growing appeal as a tourist destination, bolstered by improved accessibility and targeted promotional campaigns.
ZimStat further reported that road transport remained the most popular mode of entry, with 71,9 percent of visitors arriving by road. Beitbridge Border Post accounted for 24,9 percent of these entries.
Air travel accounted for 127 529 visitors, with 49,5 percent arriving through Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport. — @SikhulekelaniM1
