The tourism sector of Zimbabwe which has been steadily recovering after a decade of decline, recorded an 11 percent increase in tourist arrivals last year compared to 2009. This is thanks to the vigorous marketing campaigns and the 2010 soccer World Cup held in South Africa, a report has revealed.
According to the latest report titled “Tourism Trends and Statistics Report 2010″, prepared by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), the effects and after effects of last year’s world soccer festivity held in Africa for the first time largely contributed to the significant rise in tourist arrivals and hotel occupancy levels.
The report indicates that tourist arrivals were 2,239,165 representing an 11 percent increase from the 2009 figure of 2,017,264; pushing up tourism receipts to US$634 million from US$523 million recorded in 2009, representing a 21 percent increase from the comparative period.
Of the 2,239,165 arrivals received by Zimbabwe in 2010, Africa contributed 87 percent followed by Europe (6 percent), the Americas (3 percent) and Asia (2 percent). The Oceania and Middle East contributed less than 2 percent.
Average hotel room occupancy levels also increased from 46 percent to 52 percent while average bed occupancy levels rose from 35 percent to 36 percent last year compared to 2009.
ZTA head of public relations and corporate communications Mr. Sugar Chagonda confirmed that Zimbabwe’s tourism sector recorded an increase in arrivals spurred by some of its Southern African markets such as South Africa, Mozambique and Swaziland.
“Most of our tourists came from neighboring countries and South Africa remains the major source market in Africa with a market share of 70 percent of arrivals from the African continent.
Zimbabwe safaris are popular due to the magnificent Victoria Falls that offer a fabulous sight. These attract most visitors to Zimbabwe plus the national parks which host a variety of wildlife. The great Zimbabwe ruins and the Eastern highlands too are popular safari destinations too.
