Mashonaland Central hotel occupancy dips as Zimbabwe tourism grows in Q1 2026

Mashonaland Central hotel occupancy dips as Zimbabwe tourism grows in Q1 2026

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Zimbabwe’s tourism sector posted a strong first quarter in 2026, with international tourist arrivals rising 11% to 384,515 from 347,555 in the same period in 2025, according to Tourism Performance Highlights for Q1 2026.

Tourism receipts were estimated at US$251 million, up 14% from US$221 million, while domestic tourism trips were estimated to have increased by 35% to 2.62 million from 1.94 million. The report attributes growth in domestic travel to increased trips for visiting friends and relatives (VFR), religious tourism and study tourism.

International arrivals growth was recorded across all regional markets, with arrivals from Africa up 9% and overseas arrivals up 16%. Overseas markets, described in the report as typically the highest-spending segment, increased their share slightly to 25% of total arrivals, from 24% in 2025. Africa accounted for 75% of total arrivals in 2026, down marginally from 76% in 2025.

The report also highlights Zimbabwe’s rising global profile, noting recognition by Forbes as one of the world’s top destinations in 2025, and an award at ITB Berlin 2026 where the country was named “Destination of the Year – Natural Wonders”. It links the momentum to improved air connectivity, expanded domestic and regional flight networks, and cluster-based tourism development initiatives.

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However, regional hotel performance was uneven. Average hotel room occupancy nationally improved slightly to 38% in 2026 from 37% in 2025, but Mashonaland Central was among the provinces that “experienced notable declines”, alongside Matabeleland South. The report says Manicaland and Mashonaland East recorded recoveries, while Harare and Bulawayo remained above the national average but fell compared to 2025.

Tourism investments were estimated at US$12.6 million, with the report stating the increase was driven by a Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) registration blitz of tourism operators, which resulted in the regularisation of some facilities that had not been regularised.

The report also flags geopolitical risk affecting travel. It cites “The Iran War Effect”, saying route disruptions and rising fuel costs contributed to a 12% drop in inbound tourism in March, with overseas markets bearing the largest shock.

For the remainder of 2026, the report warns that volatility is likely if fuel costs stay high and flight routes remain disrupted, which could cause overseas arrivals to stagnate. It suggests regional African inbound tourism could partly offset losses because it is less affected by long-haul disruptions.

Among recommendations, the report urges tourism players to reduce dependence on long-haul overseas markets by more aggressively promoting regional African tourism, and to develop “shock-resilient” packages such as all-inclusive overland or rail-based itineraries to reduce exposure to volatile airfares and fuel costs.

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