The Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe (SOAZ) says a stable and predictable regulatory environment can grow the country’s tourism sector to a US$3 billion industry.
Speaking at the Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe post-budget breakfast meeting in Harare, SOAZ executive director Stanley Mudawarima said stability was the key to unlocking growth.
“Stabilising regulatory processes and removal of friction costs that erode competitiveness, Zimbabwe can easily and realistically grow tourism receipts to possibly US$2,5 billion to US$3 billion within the next 18 to 24 months,” he said.
He added that the growth would be driven by improved air access, stronger regional markets, recovery of global confidence and better management.
Mudawarima said the tourism industry was not just a sector, but a complex value chain that touches various aspects of the economy.
“Tourism is not just a line item in a bucket, as was announced recently, or a sector among many. It is one of Zimbabwe's most complete value chains, touching transport, conservation, agriculture, manufacturing, finance, communities and foreign currency generation,” he said.
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“What we are asking for is clarity, consistency and partnership. When those three exist in unison, tourism delivers very quickly and at scale.”
Mudawarima's remarks come as the sector targets US$5 billion in annual revenue by 2030.
To achieve this ambitious target, the industry plans to adopt a two-phased approach, with the first phase focusing on stabilisation and unlocking growth.
“Phase two, expansion and product depth, that phase will be about depth, not just numbers. This will include expanded destination offerings, stronger conferencing and events, sports tourism, faith tourism and gastronomy," Mudawarima said.
He cautioned the government that raising value-added tax by 0,5 percentage points to 15,5% can scare away tourists, ultimately harming the country's tourism industry.
“When we went to America to sell hunts in 2025 at 15%, people announced that they were coming in March. Contracts have been signed. People are coming in and then we say they should pay a little bit more. They will say Zimbabwe is not competitive.”