Story by Tichaona Kurewa
ZIMBABWE’S tourism industry is singing a joyous tune this festive season, with a surge in hotel occupancy levels and activity bookings compared to the 2022 season.
Popular destinations like Victoria Falls, the Eastern Highlands and Kariba are overflowing with mainly eager locals and international visitors seeking a vibrant escape from the year’s end routine.
The Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) and other tourism players confirmed that they are basking in glory of a near 100% bookings for accommodation and activities.
“We are witnessing a lot of activities in peri-urban areas, resorts, and other places. The traffic is quite encouraging, we are witnessing some enquiries still coming in, and some people are still planning. The room occupancy levels are also very good and from the indications, for the prime days that is 24,25,26 most properties are going to be full in terms of occupancies but from the 27th up to the end of the year there will still be traffic but not as those three days including Christmas.
“We are expecting Christmas to be busy as it is normally that time of the year. There is a lot of excitement among people to travel after the launch of the Festive Season Campaign launched by the Ministry of Tourism and Zimbabwe Tourism Authority,” said HAZ president, Mr Brian Nyakutombwa
Elephant Experience marketing manager Mrs Janice Ncube said, “We are thrilled to see the tourism industry back in full swing. This festive season’s success is a testament to the resilience of our tourism sector and the growing recognition of Zimbabwe as a diverse and vibrant destination. This festive season is alive and better compared to last year; we have recorded an increase in activity bookings.”
This festive season’s tourism boom is a breath of fresh air for the Southern African country’s economy, creating jobs and injecting much-needed revenue into the industry.
With continued efforts to improve infrastructure, diversify offerings, and promote Zimbabwe as a unique destination, the future of tourism in the country looks bright.
This festive season’s tourism boom speaks volumes about Zimbabwe’s growing appeal as a travel destination.
The government’s focus on domestic tourism, coupled with the easing of travel restrictions, has led to a resurgence in holidaymakers venturing within their own borders.
