Talkmore Gandiwa
HARARE– Zimbabwe’s hospitality industry is showing renewed signs of recovery after hotel occupancy rates climbed to an average of 40% during the first half of 2026, driven by a surge in international tourist arrivals, although the sector fell short of its 45% occupancy target.
The improvement shows the gradual rebound in the country’s tourism industry, with stronger visitor inflows, expanding air connectivity and growing business travel providing momentum for hotels despite a challenging operating environment.
The latest performance builds on gains recorded in the opening quarter of the year, when national average hotel room occupancy rose to 38%, up from 37% in the corresponding period last year.
Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) President Emma Kativu said the industry remained on an upward trajectory, supported by rising international demand and improving travel links.
“For the first half of 2026, the sector averaged approximately 40% occupancy against a projected target of 45%,” Kativu said in an interview.
While domestic travellers continued to account for the bulk of hotel demand, overseas visitors made a significant contribution to the sector’s recovery as Zimbabwe attracted more tourists from regional and long-haul markets.
According to the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), international arrivals increased 11% during the first quarter of 2026 to 384,515 visitors, reflecting stronger confidence in Zimbabwe as a tourism destination and improved accessibility into the country.
Kativu said domestic tourism, comprising local and regional Southern African Development Community (SADC) travellers, represented about 60% of hotel occupancy during the first six months of the year, while international travellers accounted for the remaining 40%.
The increase in occupancy was underpinned by several favourable market developments, including stronger international arrivals, enhanced airline connectivity, increased business travel and conference activity, as well as solid demand at resort destinations during holiday periods.
“The key drivers behind the improved occupancy included the 11% increase in international arrivals during the first quarter of 2026, improved air connectivity and route expansion, growth in business travel and conferencing, and strong performance in resort destinations during holiday periods,” Kativu said.
One of the industry’s biggest catalysts is expected to be the reinstatement of the Harare-London air route, a development viewed as strategically important for rebuilding long-haul tourism demand.
Direct connectivity to the United Kingdom is expected to strengthen Zimbabwe’s position in one of its key source markets by reducing travel time and improving convenience for both leisure and corporate travellers. The route is also expected to stimulate higher visitor spending, benefiting hotels, tour operators and other businesses across the tourism value chain.
The improving performance comes as Zimbabwe’s tourism sector continues to recover from years of subdued international travel, with authorities intensifying destination marketing campaigns while airlines gradually restore regional and intercontinental routes.
Beyond occupancy, the industry’s revenue outlook is also strengthening. ZTA data shows tourism receipts increased 14% during the first quarter of 2026 to US$251 million, highlighting stronger visitor expenditure and improved activity across accommodation, transport and tourism services.
Looking ahead, HAZ expects the industry’s recovery to gather pace during the second half of the year, supported by additional tourism events, stronger marketing initiatives and continued improvements in connectivity.
“Given the upward trajectory in arrivals and tourism receipts, the outlook for the remainder of 2026 remains cautiously optimistic,” Kativu said.
“We anticipate occupancy levels trending toward the mid-40% range during peak periods, supported by improved connectivity, destination marketing and major tourism events scheduled later in the year.”
Although the sector has yet to regain occupancy levels associated with stronger tourism cycles, the steady increase in visitor arrivals and spending suggests Zimbabwe’s hospitality industry is rebuilding momentum, with international tourism once again emerging as a key driver of growth.
