Tourism receipts rise 35% to US$241m in Q1, Africa leads arrivals

HARARE – Tourism receipts in the first quarter grew 35% to US$241 million buoyed by increased tourist arrivals and the subsequent improvement in hotel occupancy. According to data from the Ministry of Tourism, Q1 witnessed a 36% increase in tourist arrivals to 370 190 from 271 975 recorded over the first quarter of 2023.

As a result, international receipts were up 43% to US$164 million and domestic receipts grew 22% to US$77 million over last year. Arrivals from Africa increased to 270 014 from 208 399, an increase of 30% and while arrivals from overseas increased 58% to 100 176 in 2024 from 63 576.

According to a recent report by Africa Outlook, Africa is poised to be the world’s second-fastest-growing tourism region in 2024, driven by a resurgence in travel and investment. The report predicts that Africa’s travel and tourism industry will be fueled by a growing middle class and a projected CAGR of 8.9% or US$731.4 billion by 2032 in the “bleisure” market.

By source market, Zimbabwe received more tourists from South Africa (74 248), Zambia (50 756), Malawi (49 956) and Mozambique at 44 675. Outside Africa, USA arrivals dominated at 18 654 while the Middle East was the lowest performing region with just 681 arrivals across the countries.

Average hotel room occupancy rate increased to 39% from 36% recorded in the comparable quarter in 2023, with all regions in the country experiencing growths ranging from 11% to 50%. The report tracks 151 hotels with room capacity of 7 395. The resort town of Victoria Falls posted the highest increase in occupancy rate at 50% with a clientele mix of 32% local and 68% foreign. Harare occupancy was at 48% from 38% last year but the clientele mix was skewed towards locals at 68%. Mutare/Vumba with occupancy of 16% had 100% locals so too did Midlands and Beitbridge.

According to the ministry, the performance was largely dependent on the resilience of the domestic market with the domestic clientele accounting for an average of 87% in room occupancy mainly was supported by MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, and Exhibitions) business. Domestic trips in the period are estimated at 2.38 million, a growth of 22% from 1.95 million seen in the comparable year ago period.