John Cassim
Zimbabwe’s Tourism Minister, Barbra Rwodzi, has said the expansion of the country’s major airports is a crucial factor contributing to the growth of its tourism sector. Minister Rwodzi made these remarks during the 2nd United Nations Tourism Summit for Africa and the Americas, held in Livingstone, Zambia.
The Summit’s theme is “Advancing Resilient Tourism through Connectivity, Investment, and Skilled Workforce Development.”
“Zimbabwe has made significant strides in enhancing air connectivity through the refurbishment and expansion of three key international airports: Robert Gabriel Mugabe in Harare, Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo in Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls. These upgrades ensure they meet international standards,” Minister Rwodzi stated.
She emphasized the particular importance of Victoria Falls Airport, noting its emergence as the largest and a vital aviation hub within the Kavango-Zambezi (KAZA) region. This allows larger aircraft carrying tourists to land, benefiting both Zimbabwe and other KAZA countries.
The KAZA Transfrontier Conservation Area is an extensive 15,000 km² conservation area, larger than Germany and Austria combined and almost twice the size of the United Kingdom. It encompasses the Kavango and Zambezi river basins where Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe converge.
Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven natural wonders of the world, is located within the KAZA region.
Furthermore, the expansion of Robert Mugabe International Airport has significantly increased its annual passenger handling capacity from 2.5 million to six million. This development positions the airport to serve as a regional aviation hub in Southern Africa.
The expansion project commenced in July 2018 and was completed in July 2023.
Minister Rwodzi stressed that “poor air connectivity in Africa is a critical policy issue that African governments must urgently address. Tourism is a burgeoning industry with the potential to become the largest contributor to many African economies.”
The Summit builds upon the success of the inaugural event held in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, in October 2024. It is attended by Tourism Ministers from across Africa and the Americas, government officials, industry leaders, and tourism experts.
Minister Rwodzi further highlighted Zimbabwe’s achievements in tourism development, emphasizing skills training within the industry, investment in tourism infrastructure – particularly in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) facilities – improved connectivity, and the implementation of more flexible visa regimes.
She noted that these efforts are central to building a resilient and sustainable tourism sector across Africa and the Americas. However, she also pointed out Zimbabwe’s cautious approach to fully liberalizing its visa policy, underscoring the importance of reciprocity in visa arrangements.
On the sidelines of the Summit, Minister Rwodzi held a bilateral meeting with the UN Tourism Secretary-General, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, to discuss areas of mutual interest.
In addition to the Summit, Zimbabwe is also participating in this year’s World Travel Market (WTM) Africa in Cape Town, South Africa, where 96 countries have gathered.
This event provides Zimbabwe with an opportunity to promote its lesser-known tourism destinations, such as Kariba, Mana Pools, and the Eastern Highlands, which are increasingly attracting interest from buyers seeking unique and off-the-beaten-path experiences.