By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
MASVINGO — Zimbabwe’s tourism sector has recorded a remarkable surge in investment, with figures released at the 2026 Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe World Tourism Expo revealing a 229 percent increase in tourism investment during the first half of the year.
Tourism investment rose to US$132.3 million in the first half of 2026, compared to US$40.2 million during the same period in 2025.
The figures were announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa during the official opening of the 19th edition of the expo in Masvingo.
“Despite various global challenges, Zimbabwe is consolidating its position as one of the top must-visit tourist destinations,” President Mnangagwa said.
“Investor confidence remains high, as reflected by tourism investment, which rose by 229 percent to US$132.3 million in the first half of 2026”.
Record-Breaking Growth Across All Metrics
The investment surge is part of a broader pattern of growth across the tourism sector. Tourist arrivals reached 6.4 million in the first half of 2026, up from 5 million during the same period last year.
International tourist arrivals increased by 6.1 percent in the second quarter of 2026 compared to the first quarter.
Tourism receipts also showed strong performance, increasing by 6 percent from US$508 million in the first half of 2025 to US$537 million in the first half of 2026. Domestic tourism trips surged by 27 percent, rising from approximately 5 million to 6.4 million.
The country’s tourism and hospitality economy reached over US$5 billion in 2025, with international arrivals growing by 10 percent to approximately 1.78 million visitors.
Investment Targets and Future Outlook
Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, speaking at the Zimbabwe Tourism Investment Forum held as part of the expo, noted that the country has set an ambitious target of US$600 million in tourism investment for 2026.
The first quarter alone recorded US$67.8 million in investment, representing a 438 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025.
“We have the assets, the demand, the projects, the investment pipeline and increasingly the capital and partners required to unlock them,” Minister Ncube said.
President Mnangagwa also highlighted the socio-economic dividends from tourism investments, noting that they are creating jobs and improving infrastructure, including roads, accommodation, and social services.
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