Zimbabwe Tourism Sector Soars as Minister Rwodzi Welcomes Global Visitors at Kazungula

KAZUNGULA, December 24, 2025 — The festive spirit is in full swing at Zimbabwe’s borders as the tourism sector records a significant surge in international and regional arrivals.

​Honorable Barbara Rwodzi, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, spent Wednesday morning at the Kazungula Border Post, personally welcoming travelers entering the country. The visit was part of a broader government initiative to monitor service delivery and tourist flow at key entry points during the peak holiday season.

The Kazungula Border Post, a unique meeting point of four nations, has become a beehive of activity. Between the peak hours of 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, hundreds of tourists were seen transiting from Botswana and Namibia into Zimbabwe.

​”We are seeing a wonderful mix of visitors today,” Minister Rwodzi noted while interacting with travelers. “There is a strong presence from our traditional markets like Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States, alongside a heartwarming number of our regional brothers and sisters from South Africa and Botswana.”

​The Minister highlighted that many visitors are now opting for regional “multi-destination” packages, combining Zimbabwe’s iconic Victoria Falls with the Okavango Delta in Botswana and safari experiences in Namibia.

The surge in arrivals aligns with recent data showing a global renewed interest in Zimbabwe. The Minister cited impressive statistics that reflect the success of the government’s promotional efforts:

Interest in Zimbabwe has skyrocketed, with flight searches for the country up by 80% and 56% for Bulawayo specifically compared to previous years.

​Zimbabwe was recently named by Forbes Magazine as one of the “Best Countries to Visit in 2025,” a title the Minister attributed to the “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” policy championed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

While leisure remains the primary draw, Minister Rwodzi emphasized that Zimbabwe is successfully diversifying its offerings. The Ministry is reporting growth across several pillars, including:

​MICE Tourism, Gastronomy & Culture Promoting local heritage through the ZimBho (Zimbabwe is Beautiful) campaign.

​Religious and Sports Tourism: Attracting niche groups for events and spiritual retreats.

During her visit, the Minister inspected border facilities to ensure that the “first point of contact” for tourists remains efficient and welcoming.

​”Our goal for 2026 is to ensure that the tourism sector remains a leading contributor to our national GDP,” Rwodzi stated. “By improving infrastructure and maintaining our signature Zimbabwean hospitality, we are ensuring that every visitor leaves as an ambassador for our nation.”

​As the festive season continues, the Ministry expects arrival numbers to remain high, solidifying 2025 as a landmark year for the country’s hospitality industry.