Uncategorized

Zimbabwe’s tourist arrivals up 115 percent as sector recovers from pandemic

Published

3 years ago

September 22, 2022

HARARE – Zimbabwe received 352,719 tourist arrivals in the first half of the year, up 115 percent from 164,062 tourist arrivals the country had during the same period last year, according to Environment minister Mangaliso Ndlovu.

He said tourism is on a growth trajectory following the relaxation of Covid-19-induced travel restrictions and lockdowns, with tourist receipts increasing by 121 percent in the first months of the year to 337.5 million US dollars, compared to 152.8 million dollars during the same period last year.

Ndlovu, whose portfolio also covers tourism, said domestic entries into national parks rose 90 percent from 90,909 in 2021 to 172,481 during the January-May period this year, a state-owned daily newspaper, quoted Ndlovu as saying, Thursday.

A 79 percent increase in new investments in the sector worth 96.5 million U.S. dollars was also registered during the first half of this year, the minister said.

“I am happy that the tourism sector is now on a growth trajectory due to the relaxation of Covid-19 induced travel restrictions and lockdowns, and the opening of doors for both domestic and international travel,” Ndlovu said.

“Let us take advantage of this phase to work with all stakeholders to design and offer competitive products and services in order to attract more tourists to Zimbabwe.”

He said tourism was one of the critical sectors of the economy with great potential to turn around the economy.

Zimbabwe is aiming to achieve a US$5 billion tourism economy by 2025.

“It is my hope that as we are emerging from the devastating Covid-19 pandemic, we have taken a closer look at the national tourism recovery and growth strategy to assess our targets, our strategies and that we are identifying areas that need more emphasis for us to meet and possibly surpass the initial targets,” he said.

Zimbabwe’s recorded 380,820 tourist arrivals in 2021, a 40 percent decline from 639,356 in 2020, according to the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority. – Xinhua

National

Zimbabwe roads claim 24 lives over Heroes holiday

Published

4 hours ago

August 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A total of 24 people lost their lives on Zimbabwe’s roads during the 2025 Heroes and Defence Forces holidays, according to statistics released by the Zimbabwe Republic Police.

The police reported 196 road traffic accidents, 13 of which were fatal, between August 11 and 13. This represents a significant increase from the previous year’s figures, which saw 149 accidents and eight fatalities.

Reckless driving, mechanical faults, speeding, and overtaking errors were cited as major causes of the accidents.

Two major accidents occurred during the period, including a fatal crash on the Mutare-Masvingo Road that claimed the lives of six Zion Christian Church congregants. Another accident on the Bindura-Shamva Road resulted in four fatalities and 17 injuries.

The police have urged motorists to prioritize vehicle maintenance, avoid speeding and reckless overtaking, and adhere to road rules and regulations to prevent further loss of life.

In the community

Dete teen convicted for theft

Published

4 hours ago

August 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A Dete teenager has been convicted of breaking into a local shop and stealing goods and cash worth US$131.

Artwell Ncube, 18, of Lupote in Dete, was found guilty of aggravated unlawful entry by the Hwange Magistrates Court.

According to court records, Ncube used an unknown object to open the locked shop door between May 20 and 25, 2025. Once inside, he stole groceries, airtime, and US$50 in cash.

The shop owner unexpectedly returned to the premises on May 25 at midnight and found Ncube inside. The teenager fled, leaving some stolen items behind.

A subsequent police investigation led to Ncube’s arrest. Property worth US$31 was recovered.

Ncube was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, which was fully suspended on condition that he repays ZWG3 516.04 to the complainant within six months and performs 110 hours of community service at Lupote Clinic which he started on Wednesday.

National

Seven killed, 36 injured in road accidents in Masvingo and Hwange

Published

2 days ago

August 12, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A tragic weekend on Zimbabwe’s roads has left seven people dead and 36 others injured in two separate accidents in Masvingo and Hwange.

The first accident occurred on Monday, at around 2:00 a.m. along the Mutare-Masvingo Road when a Toyota Quantum vehicle carrying 22 Zion Christian Church congregants veered off the road and overturned, killing six people and injuring 16 others.

In a separate incident, one person was killed, and 20 others were injured in Hwange when a Nissan NP300 vehicle overturned after its left rim broke on Sunday, at around 5:00 a.m.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads, avoiding speeding and observing all road rules and regulations to prevent such tragic accidents.

The police are currently working to identify the victims, and the names will be released once the next of kin have been notified.