AGP Executive Report

Tourism Growth & Air Access: Zimbabwe’s tourism push gets a boost as ZIMVRA calls for closer coordination with mobility providers, with arrivals projected to rise and hotels already booking out ahead of Sanganai. Source Markets: China is emerging as a top Asian source for Zimbabwe, driving an 11% jump in international arrivals in Q1 2026. Accommodation Pressure: ZTA is registering private homes in Masvingo as major hotels hit 80–100% occupancy ahead of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbabwe World Tourism Expo. Regional Connectivity: Zimbabwe is modernising border posts with Malawi and Mozambique to cut congestion and improve traveller safety. Wildlife & Culture: Vic Falls is set for a cultural drum-filled spotlight at the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival, with provincial winners chasing national prizes. Health & Visitor Confidence: Zimbabwe has received new advanced cancer treatment machines, a sign of improving public services that can support longer-stay confidence.

Tourism Growth & Aviation: ZIMVRA urged tighter coordination with mobility and vehicle-rental operators to unlock tourism growth, as Zimbabwe targets 1.87m arrivals and higher receipts. Sanganai/Hlanganani Prep: Hotels in Masvingo are already 80–100% booked ahead of Sanganai (Sept 9–12, 2026), so ZTA will register private homes (3+ bedrooms) to add capacity. Source Market Boost: China and Hong Kong led Asia arrivals in Q1 2026, lifting Zimbabwe’s international arrivals by 11% (384,515 total). Regional Travel & Borders: Zimbabwe is modernising border posts to decongest crossings and improve safety and trade flow with Malawi and Mozambique. Air Access Update: Air Zimbabwe plans to return to London via a wet-lease ACMI deal (Plus Ultra) from July 1, using Airbus A330-200s. Safety Watch: EU Air Safety List updates keep Air Zimbabwe banned from EU skies, while Air Express Algeria was added and Kyrgyz carriers removed. Human Mobility Backdrop: Zimbabwe evacuated 139 citizens from South Africa after xenophobia-related attacks, with support at Beitbridge for safe returnees. On-the-ground Tragedy: Seven pupils died in a Gweru kombi inferno; police are still verifying identities and investigating the cause.

Tourism Growth: Zimbabwe Tourism Authority reports Q1 2026 international arrivals up 11% to 384,515 and tourism receipts up 14% to about US$251m, with domestic trips also rising 35% to 2.62m. Regional Conservation: KAZA TFCA ministerial meetings kick off in Victoria Falls as Zimbabwe chairs the bloc, reviewing progress on transfrontier conservation and oversight. Air Access: Air Zimbabwe plans to restart London Gatwick flights for the first time in 14+ years via a wet-lease ACMI deal with Plus Ultra starting July 1, boosting UK connectivity for travellers. Golf Tourism Boost: Government is finalising a multi-million deal to redevelop Elephant Hills Golf Course into a 24-hour hospitality destination with new villas and upgraded infrastructure. Cross-Border Travel Support: Zimbabwe evacuated 139 citizens from South Africa through Beitbridge over three days, with a reception centre capacity of up to 1,000 daily to help returnees travel onward safely. Health & Mobility at Beitbridge: IOM’s “HIV Knows No Borders” programme continues working with mobile communities to improve HIV testing, sexual health and child protection for travellers and traders. Aviation Safety Watch: EU Air Safety List update removes all Kyrgyz-certified airlines and adds Air Express Algeria, affecting which carriers can operate in EU skies. Travel Safety Context: Road crash on the Harare–Bulawayo route injures 18 after a head-on collision, underlining ongoing highway safety concerns.

Air Connectivity & Tourism: Air Zimbabwe plans to return to London after a 14-year gap, using a 13-month wet-lease ACMI deal with Spain’s Plus Ultra from July 1 (Harare–London Gatwick), a boost for diaspora travel and UK-linked tourism. Regional Conservation: KAZA meetings kick off in Victoria Falls as Zimbabwe chairs the transfrontier conservation area, reviewing progress and strengthening oversight across the five-country landscape. Tourism Performance: Zimbabwe Tourism Authority reports Q1 2026 growth—international arrivals up 11% to 384,515 and receipts up 14% to about US$251m, with domestic trips also rising 35%. Destination Upgrades: Government is finalising a multi-million-dollar investor deal to revamp Elephant Hills Golf Course in Victoria Falls into a modern 24-hour hospitality and villa destination. Cross-Border Travel Safety: After xenophobic violence in South Africa, 139 Zimbabweans have been evacuated via Beitbridge, with a reception centre ready to support returnees. Transport Corridors: Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique move to harmonise regional transport corridors to cut border delays and reduce business costs.

Tourism Earnings Surge: Zimbabwe Tourism Authority reports Q1 2026 international arrivals up 11% to 384,515 and receipts up 14% to about US$251m, with domestic trips also rising 35% to 2.62m—fuelled by better air links and destination marketing. Conservation & Travel Spotlight (KAZA): High-level KAZA TFCA meetings kick off in Victoria Falls (June 8–12) as Zimbabwe chairs the regional conservation bloc, aiming to strengthen oversight and progress on wildlife programmes across Angola, Botswana, Namibia and Zambia. Land & Tourism Safety Concerns: “Land barons” are accused of illegal land allocations in Hunyani, with structures reportedly near the Prince Edward Water Treatment Plant—raising environmental and infrastructure risks and prompting calls for removal. Wildlife Tourism Momentum (Mozambique): Peace Parks Foundation says long-term investment is improving Zinave National Park, including the translocation of nine white rhinos, with tourism and conservation moving toward sustainability. Regional Travel Disruptions (Xenophobia): Zimbabwe is assisting repatriations from South Africa amid unrest, including a first batch of 74 returnees arriving via Beitbridge with counselling, food and transport support. Infrastructure for Visitors: Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo begins installing new cancer treatment machines, a health upgrade that can reduce patient travel burdens and improve regional services.

Cross-Border Travel Safety: South Africa’s xenophobia-linked unrest continues to disrupt regional travel, with Malawi starting a voluntary repatriation of 150 displaced citizens from Western Cape camps; the first two buses left on 6 June and are expected to enter Malawi via Mwanza Border Post on 8 June after road transit through Zimbabwe and Mozambique, with processing at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre. Regional Policy & Mobility: South Africa also moves to phase out the green ID book over security concerns, while President Ramaphosa warns against vigilantism and says immigration enforcement must stay with authorised state institutions. Zimbabwe Tourism & Access: Airlink is reported to have taken up slots left by Compair’s liquidation, adding daily Johannesburg–Harare flights—an encouraging sign for visitor arrivals and tourism recovery. Tourism Infrastructure Watch: The Hills Luxury Golf Course in WestProp’s Millennium Heights development is on track for a February 2027 opening, with grow-in work underway after shaping all 18 holes. Local Liveability for Visitors: Beitbridge’s authorities are pushing for door-to-door waste collection and compliant landfills, using the Beitbridge Mayor’s Anti-Litter marathon to rally public support for cleaner tourism corridors.

Constitution & Governance: Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi defended the Constitution Amendment (No. 3) Bill in Parliament, saying it’s a “continuation” of the 2013 Constitution meant to improve governance and institutional efficiency. Tourism Access & Air Travel: Airports Company of Zimbabwe says Airlink has taken over slots left by Compair, adding daily Johannesburg–Harare flights—seen as a boost for tourism recovery. Golf Tourism: The Hills Luxury Golf Course is on track for a February 2027 opening, with 18 holes shaped and planting/grow-in work continuing inside WestProp’s US$280m mixed-use development. Health for Visitors & Locals: Mpilo Central Hospital has started installing new cancer treatment machines, with installation and quality control expected to take up to three months—key for regional access to radiotherapy. Community Tourism & Culture: Chegutu’s Hintonville Arts Centre is investing nearly US$30,000 in a cultural village and heritage exhibitions to attract local and international visitors. Sporting Events: Jah Prayzah will headline the inaugural RTG Nyanga Mountain Valley Marathon and Music Festival on 26 September 2026, blending endurance sport with major entertainment in the Eastern Highlands. Regional Travel Safety: South Africa’s Ramaphosa announced tougher measures against illegal migration while warning against vigilantism; meanwhile Malawi has started voluntary repatriation of 150 displaced nationals from South Africa, with travel via Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

Tourism & Events: Chegutu’s Hintonville Arts Centre is investing nearly US$30,000 in a cultural village and heritage exhibitions to pull both local and international visitors. Sports Tourism: Jah Prayzah will headline the inaugural Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG) Nyanga Mountain Valley Marathon and Music Festival on 26 Sept 2026, blending endurance racing with a major music draw for the Eastern Highlands. Destination Marketing: Zimbabwe won 1st Runner-Up in the Best International Stand category at Zambia Travel Expo (ZATEX) 2026, highlighting heritage, culture and gastronomy to strengthen regional tourism links. Conservation & Wildlife Policy: The NPRC criticised a wildlife law that “criminalises” killing troublesome animals, arguing for compensation and a more balanced approach in human-wildlife conflict areas—an issue that affects safari experiences and community livelihoods. Travel Safety & Mobility: Malawi has started voluntary repatriation of displaced nationals from South Africa; the first 150 return by road through Zimbabwe and Mozambique, with processing in Blantyre. Environment & Tourism Risk: A report warns Zimbabwe’s artisanal gold sector still uses mercury widely despite commitments, raising health and environmental concerns that can undermine long-term tourism appeal.

Econet Victoria Falls Marathon: Over 5,000 runners from 40+ countries have already confirmed for the 5 July 2026 race, putting Victoria Falls firmly on the global sports-tourism map. Tourism Promotion: Zimbabwe won 1st Runner-Up for the Best International Stand at Zambia Travel Expo (ZATEX) 2026, highlighting its heritage, culture and gastronomy push. Wildlife & Community Rights: The NPRC criticised a wildlife law that “criminalises” killing troublesome animals, urging compensation for crop-destroying animals in high human-wildlife conflict zones—an issue that directly affects safari experiences and park-area livelihoods. Victoria Falls Development Watch: Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Praz) has distanced itself from ZimParks permits tied to commercial operations at Cataract Island and Rainforest, with a High Court challenge underway. Regional Travel Integration: SADC Justice Ministers meeting in Victoria Falls adopted key legal instruments, including a draft SADC Tourism UniVisa aimed at easing movement for travellers and services. Health Tourism Angle: New cancer radiotherapy machines are arriving/being installed in Zimbabwe, a major step toward reducing the need for patients to travel abroad for treatment.

Tourism & Regional Promotion: Zimbabwe clinched 1st Runner-Up in the Best International Stand category at Zambia Travel Expo (ZATEX) 2026, with the Ministry of Tourism highlighting Zimbabwe’s heritage, culture and gastronomy and pushing Southern Africa as a connected tourism destination. Wildlife Policy: The National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) criticised a wildlife law that “criminalises” killing troublesome animals, urging compensation for crop-destroying communities and warning that the tourism-and-forex push is blurring the human-wildlife balance. Travel Facilitation: SADC Justice Ministers meeting in Victoria Falls adopted key legal instruments including a draft SADC Tourism UniVisa aimed at easing tourist movement across the region. Infrastructure & Visitor Experience: Zimbabwe’s Harare–Beitbridge Highway quality claims were dismissed by the Ministry, after allegations of substandard construction methods and early deterioration. Safety on the Road: Government rolled out an AI-powered Electronic Traffic Management System to detect and fine offences automatically, targeting speeding, red-light running and illegal parking. Culture Tourism: Miss Universe Zimbabwe finalists and regional delegates visited Baradzanwa Cultural Village in Mazowe, spotlighting Zimbabwean traditions and local cuisine for visiting guests.

Victoria Falls tourism dispute: Praz has disowned permits linked to ZimParks allowing commercial activity near Cataract Island and the Rainforest, with a High Court challenge filed by Lawrence Norton and others after UNESCO flagged growing threats to the World Heritage site. Regional travel push: SADC Justice Ministers meeting in Victoria Falls adopted key legal instruments including a draft SADC Tourism UniVisa aimed at easing cross-border movement for tourists, plus pooled procurement for pharmaceuticals. Zimbabwe markets itself abroad: Zimbabwe showcased its tourism potential at the Zambia Travel Expo (ZATEX), highlighting Victoria Falls, Kariba, Mana Pools, Hwange, Great Zimbabwe, the Eastern Highlands and Bulawayo, while also promoting Sanganai/Hlanganani. Tourism cooperation message: ZTA CEO Dr George Manyaya told Zambia that the two countries are “co-opetitors,” urging joint marketing so visitors experience both sides of the Falls. Road safety tech: Government rolled out an AI-powered Electronic Traffic Management System to detect and fine offences automatically, supporting safer travel for road users. Health tourism angle: New cancer treatment machines (LINACs) arrived for Mpilo Central Hospital and Parirenyatwa, reducing the need for patients to travel for care. Local travel culture: Jehovah’s Witnesses’ “Eternal Happiness” convention in Harare is expected to draw 35,000+ attendees, with free entry and multilingual sessions. Cross-border crime risks: Police arrested a Zimbabwean linked to R2.3m tobacco smuggling and reported a separate crackdown on illegal immigration tactics involving minibus taxis.

SADC Tourism Univisa Push: Justice ministers meeting in Victoria Falls adopted key legal instruments, including a draft SADC Tourism Univisa aimed at easing cross-border travel, plus a pooled procurement charter for medicines—Zimbabwe’s AG Virginia Mabhiza led the delegation. ZTA Regional Partnership: Zimbabwe and Zambia are “co-opetitors,” not rivals, ZTA CEO Dr George Manyaya said at ZATEX, urging joint marketing around Victoria Falls to boost multi-country trips. Zimbabwe at Zambia Travel Expo: Zimbabwe showcased major attractions—Victoria Falls, Kariba, Mana Pools, Hwange, Great Zimbabwe and the Eastern Highlands—while promoting Sanganai/Hlanganani 2026. Digital Payments Bounce Back: RBZ data shows Zimbabwe’s digital transaction values dipped in Jan–Feb then rebounded in March, reflecting formal-sector shifts. Tourism & Community Events: YMF @ 16 Great Stone Summit set for Masvingo; Jehovah’s Witnesses’ “Eternal Happiness” convention runs June 5–7 in Harare. Health Tourism Boost: New TrueBeam cancer radiotherapy LINACs arrive in Bulawayo for Mpilo and Parirenyatwa hospitals. Travel Safety/Crime: Police seized 360kg dagga on the Bulawayo–Solusi Road, highlighting cross-border trafficking risks. Visitor Experience Warning: A Zimbabwean influencer described a South Africa B&B holiday dispute that escalated into demands for money and possible legal action.

Cancer Care Upgrade: Two 22-tonne TrueBeam LINAC machines have arrived in Zimbabwe to boost radiotherapy at Mpilo Central Hospital and Parirenyatwa, a major step for local cancer treatment capacity. Medical Tourism & Innovation: A Chinese team also helped Zimbabwe complete the country’s first Deep Brain Stimulation and Spinal Cord Stimulation procedures, with patients reported stable after successful surgeries. Tourism & Travel Business: ZimTrade is sending 30+ Zimbabwean firms to Zambia (June 9–11) to grow services exports, including agriculture and construction services—good news for regional travel-linked business. Education & Community: Government backed a Roman Catholic teacher training college in Karoi, adding to Zimbabwe’s network of teacher colleges and supporting Vision 2030. Sports & Visitor Interest: Zimbabwe Chess Federation celebrated Crystal Candy National Schools Team Chess success in Mutare, drawing 800+ learners and setting up a team for Africa Chess Championships. Regional Connectivity: Qatar Airways expands African routes with added frequencies and a new Port Sudan service, improving flight options for travellers into Zimbabwe’s wider region. Local Transport Livelihoods: Police e-tricycle crackdowns are hitting rural women’s incomes hard as registration and license fees prove unaffordable.

Tourism Governance: Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) is set for its first-ever AGM on June 17, with plans to present compliance and audit reports (2023–2024) and reappoint the Auditor General for 2025, as the board pushes governance, accountability and service improvements for “Destination Zimbabwe.” Travel Connectivity: Qatar Airways expands African links with resumed and increased frequencies, including added services to Harare, Lusaka and Maputo, plus a new Port Sudan route launching July 2 via Doha. Medical Tourism & Health Travel: A Chinese team helped Zimbabwe complete the country’s first Deep Brain Stimulation and first Spinal Cord Stimulation procedures, a milestone that could boost specialist care and medical travel interest. Culture & Heritage Tourism: The Baradzanwa Mbira Festival honoured mbira custodians and performers, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s cultural tourism draw beyond wildlife. Regional Safety for Travellers: With xenophobic unrest in South Africa, Namibia and other neighbours (including Zimbabwe) urge citizens to stay vigilant—an important heads-up for Zimbabweans planning cross-border trips. Digital Economy for Tourism Businesses: Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) launched a DIY investment portal to cut red tape and speed up access to opportunities across sectors including tourism.

Land & Property Rights: A Bulawayo MP raised concerns in Parliament that Zimbabwe’s title deed validation and securitisation process on the Digital Land Administration platform could be too costly for ordinary homeowners. Tourism Governance: Zimbabwe Tourism Authority is set for its first-ever AGM on June 17, aiming to improve governance, accountability and service standards after years of weak administration. Tourism Supply Chain: Zifa launched a nationwide supplier registration drive covering everything from accommodation and transport to media, IT, security and smart stadium solutions. Cross-Border Travel Pressure: South African bus operators report a surge in people travelling from South Africa to neighbouring countries, with many trips to Zimbabwe carrying household goods amid xenophobia and anti-illegal immigration protests. Ebola Preparedness: Hurungwe activated emergency Ebola readiness after DRC/WHO alerts, setting up isolation capacity and intensified screening at nearby border points. Digital Investment Push: Zida launched an e-platform “Do It Yourself (DIY)” to make it easier for investors to access opportunities and cut red tape. Culture & Heritage: Mbira custodians were honoured at the Baradzanwa Mbira Festival, spotlighting cultural preservation and industry recognition. Energy & Urban Living: Millennium Heights in Harare added a 1MW solar plant to power its car park and support greener estate operations. Safety & Travel Advisories: Namibia urged its citizens in South Africa to stay vigilant and use consular support if needed as unrest continues. Tourism Disruption Risk: Stoneridge residents in Harare are counting losses after demolitions on disputed land left families homeless.

Ebola Preparedness: Hurungwe has activated emergency Ebola readiness after the DRC/WHO confirmed a Bundibugyo virus outbreak, setting up an isolation centre at Chirundu Border Post and intensifying traveller screening along the north-south corridor. Tourism & Travel Access: Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) launched a “Do It Yourself” e-platform to make it easier for investors worldwide to access Zimbabwe opportunities, including tourism. Cross-Border Safety for Travellers: Government says Zimbabwe remains Ebola-free but urges vigilance; meanwhile, Namibia warned its citizens in South Africa to stay safe amid xenophobic unrest and to contact consular services if needed. Sports Tourism Link: Meikles is again in talks to sell remaining hospitality interests, including its Victoria Falls Hotel stake—an update that could shape future visitor experiences. Community Transport Impact: Zimbabwe’s e-tricycle crackdown is hitting rural women’s livelihoods hard as registration costs and enforcement rise. Sustainable Living in Harare: Millennium Heights’ 1MW solar plant powers a 54-bay car park, boosting renewable energy for residents.