Zimbabwe has captured the global spotlight after being named the world’s best country to visit in 2025 by Forbes Australia. The accolade, which places Zimbabwe ahead of destinations such as Lithuania, Sri Lanka, and South Korea, marks a turning point for a nation steadily rebuilding its tourism identity and global reputation.
For a country long defined by its natural grandeur — from Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park and the mystical ruins of Great Zimbabwe — the recognition signals both a revival of confidence and a testament to Africa’s growing prominence in global travel.
A Symbol of Resilience and Renewal
Zimbabwe’s inclusion at the top of the list represents far more than a tourism milestone; it is a story of resilience and reinvention.
Over the past decade, the country has made remarkable progress in stabilising its tourism infrastructure, promoting conservation, and re-engaging with international markets.
This recognition comes amid government efforts to streamline visa processes, expand air connectivity, and partner with private investors to upgrade facilities around major attractions. The renewed push aligns with the National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy, which aims to attract five million visitors by 2028 and increase tourism’s GDP contribution to 7%.
According to the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), international arrivals have rebounded strongly since 2022, driven by new routes from airlines such as Emirates and Fastjet, as well as a marketing campaign highlighting the nation’s cultural and natural heritage.
Victoria Falls: The Beating Heart of Adventure Tourism
At the core of Zimbabwe’s appeal lies Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The destination has seen an influx of eco-luxury investments — from boutique lodges to adventure-tourism operators — as the region positions itself as a gateway to Southern Africa’s safari circuit.
The surrounding Zambezi Valley has become a symbol of sustainable tourism, with local communities playing an active role in conservation and hospitality ventures. This model of shared prosperity is increasingly seen as a blueprint for tourism development across Africa.
Tourism as a Catalyst for Broader Growth
Beyond its scenic beauty, Zimbabwe’s tourism renaissance carries deep economic implications. The sector is a major employer and a crucial source of foreign exchange. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), tourism accounted for over 6.3% of Zimbabwe’s GDP in 2024, supporting more than half a million jobs.
The government’s focus on attracting high-value tourists through diversified offerings — such as cultural tourism, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions) events, and adventure travel — reflects a broader strategy to shift from volume to value.
Furthermore, tourism is increasingly linked to regional integration initiatives like the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA-TFCA), which promotes cross-border mobility and shared ecosystem management between Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, and Angola.
Africa’s Tourism Moment
Zimbabwe’s top ranking also highlights a wider continental trend. African destinations are rising in global tourism rankings thanks to enhanced connectivity, improved branding, and growing interest in sustainable travel. The recognition places Zimbabwe among a new class of African destinations — alongside Rwanda, Kenya, and Namibia — redefining what the continent offers global travellers: authenticity, adventure, and environmental stewardship.
A Bright Horizon
As global travellers seek destinations that offer both natural wonder and meaningful experience, Zimbabwe stands out as a symbol of Africa’s tourism renaissance.
The country’s climb to the top of Forbes’ list is not just a marketing win — it is a call to investors, travellers, and policymakers alike to view Africa not as a niche market, but as a global tourism frontier.
With renewed stability, a vibrant cultural landscape, and a commitment to sustainability, Zimbabwe is poised to translate recognition into results — reaffirming that Africa’s greatest journeys are yet to come.
Source: Further Africa
