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Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]

SOUTH African nationals dominated the number of foreign visitors to Zimbabwe during the 2023 fourth quarter, constituting 22,5 percent of the arrivals while 1,7 percent were visitors from other African countries.

Zimbabwe recorded over 1,3 million arrivals during the period under review of which 58 percent were returning residents, 34 percent were visitors from abroad and eight percent were in-transit travellers to other countries. 

In its fourth Quarter International Migration Statistics for 2023, Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (Zimstat) demographic analysis manager, Mr Perfect Makumbe said 496 645 visitors who came to Zimbabwe during the period under review came for holiday, constituting 45,7 percent.

According to Zimstat, visitors from abroad are defined as residents of other countries who visit and stay in Zimbabwe for a period of fewer than 12 months and in-transit visitors who enter Zimbabwe en route to other destinations and spend less than two nights in passing through the country.

On the other hand, residents are Zimbabwean nationals who depart the country for periods not exceeding 12 months.

Year on year visitors from abroad by purpose of visit: Percentage Change

“Zimbabwe recorded a total of 1 344 639 arrivals during the fourth quarter of 2023. Of these, 58,0 percent were returning residents. Returning residents are only measured on arrival at points of entry. 34,0 percent were visitors from abroad.”

The number of visitors from abroad increased by 59,5 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2022 and the number of immigrants decreased by -0,3 percent.

“African countries accounted for the majority, which is 61 percent of visitors during the fourth quarter of 2023 with South Africa topping the list at 22,5 percent. The proportion of visitors from abroad who came for holiday increased by 41,2 percent during the fourth quarter of 2023 ,as compared to the fourth quarter of 2022,” he said. The visitors came for holidays, shopping, education and business.

ZimStat said the volume of visitors who came for shopping increased by 537,1 percent during the quarter under review, education increased by 329,1, business increased by 167,3 percent, in-transit increased by 16,4 percent and holidays increased by 41,2 percent.

Mr Makumbe said different modes of transport were used by visitors, of which 66 percent used road transport and 34 percent used air transport.

Distribution of 2023 fourth quarter visitors by mode of transport used to enter Zimbabwe

“Among the 327 688 visitors who used road transport, 26,4 percent passed through Beitbridge. Among 168 794 visitors who used air transport, 74,1 percent entered through Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport,” he said.

Other ports of entry used by visitors who come by road transport include Chirundu, Forbes, Nyamapanda, Plumtree, Kazungula, Kaiba, Mphoengs, and Maitengwe.

In December, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Barbara Rwodzi launched the festive season domestic tourism campaign dubbed Zimbho–Uripi in Binga, Matabeleland North, to drive economic growth by encouraging Zimbabweans, including those living in the diaspora to travel within Zimbabwe.

The Zimbho campaign feeds into the target of turning tourism into a US$5 billion economy by 2025 in line with the National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy. — @SikhulekelaniM1