Source: Tourism ministry unveils bold 2026 Budget priorities – herald
Nqobile Bhebhe
Zimpapers Business Hub
THE Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, which has seen approximately US$910 million in cumulative investments recorded under National Development Strategy 1, has unveiled an ambitious set of priorities for the 2026 National Budget aimed at accelerating growth, boosting competitiveness, and deepening Zimbabwe’s global tourism footprint.
The ministry says its key focus areas will include the establishment of a tourism academy, investment facilitation, strategic development, market expansion, and the hosting of international events to cement Zimbabwe’s position as a prime tourism destination.
According to the 2026 Budget priorities outlined by Minister Barbara Rwodzi at the ongoing 2026 Pre-Budget Seminar in Bulawayo, the ministry will roll out the Tourism Academy Project, estimated to cost US$10 million, spread across a five-year implementation cycle.
The academy will serve as a regional hub for hospitality training and professional development, improving service quality and skills within the tourism workforce.
In addition, the sector has placed strong emphasis on Tourism Investment Facilitation, prioritising the development of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) infrastructure.
This is expected to position Zimbabwe as a leading business tourism destination in the region, attracting high-value visitors and investment.
The ministry will also advance the National Tourism Strategy and National Tourism Marketing Strategy to strengthen policy coordination, brand positioning, and destination competitiveness.
To expand Zimbabwe’s global reach, plans are underway to deploy six additional Tourism Attachés to emerging markets, enhancing market presence and promoting Brand Zimbabwe abroad.
In the area of quality assurance, the ministry will intensify Registration and Compliance enforcement for Designated Tourist Facilities under the Tourism Standards and Grading programme, ensuring that tourism services meet international standards.
The 2026 Budget also prioritises the Development of Township and Heritage Sites, promoting community-based tourism and preservation of cultural assets as part of efforts to diversify the tourism product base.
Zimbabwe will also leverage its growing international recognition by hosting major global events, including the UN Committee on Sustainable Tourism, a Women in Tourism Conference, and the 3rd Edition of the UN Africa Regional Gastronomy Forum.
Meanwhile, to strengthen data-driven decision-making, the ministry will conduct Domestic and Outbound Tourism Surveys (D.O.T.S) and Visitor Exit Surveys (V.E.S) under the Tourism Satellite Account Review.
Minister Rwodzi said the 2026 priorities reflect Government’s commitment to align the tourism sector with Vision 2030, positioning it as a key pillar of inclusive economic growth.
“These initiatives are designed to build capacity, attract investment, promote sustainability and ensure Zimbabwe continues to shine as a top destination on the African continent,” said Minister Rwodzi.
The comprehensive plan underscores Government’s determination to modernise the tourism sector, promote innovation, and harness the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage for socio-economic transformation.
Domestic tourism grew by 20,9 percent with trips rising from an estimated 8,2 million (2024) to 9,92 million (2025).
Tourism receipts grew by 10 percent, increasing from US$839 million in 2024 to US$992 million in 2025.
The tourism industry is still basking in international glory after global business magazine Forbes named the country the Best Country to Visit in 2025, a recognition widely hailed as a resounding endorsement of the nation’s tourism revival and the growing global confidence in Brand Zimbabwe.
Under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and its successor, NDS2, tourism has been identified as a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s journey towards becoming an upper middle-income society by 2030.
The sector continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and strong growth momentum, emerging as one of the country’s fastest-growing industries.
In 2024, Zimbabwe recorded over 1,6 million international tourist arrivals, marking a robust post-pandemic rebound and reinforcing investor and traveller confidence in the destination.
Tourism currently contributes between 12 and 15 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and has already surpassed Government’s US$5 billion target for 2025 — positioning it as one of the leading pillars of economic growth.
With its unrivalled natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality, Zimbabwe is once again asserting its place among the world’s premier travel destinations — a true success story of resilience, innovation and national pride.
The ministry however, noted challenges within the sector which include the proliferation of unregistered accommodation facilities, limited product base, high costs of industry products and services and inadequate tools of the trade and office space.
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