VISITOR arrivals to the Victoria Falls Rainforest rose to more than 64,000 in the first quarter of 2026, up from 60,000 in the same period last year, according to Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority data.
The 6.7 per cent increase signals continued growth for Zimbabwe’s flagship tourism attraction and comes as authorities push to expand tourism’s contribution to economic growth, jobs and foreign currency earnings.
Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, remains the cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s tourism industry.
ZimParks Public Relations Manager Luckmore Safuli said the figures show growing confidence among visitors.
“The first-quarter statistics demonstrate growing confidence among visitors choosing Victoria Falls as their preferred destination,” Safuli said.
“We are continuously improving the visitor experience while ensuring the sustainable conservation of this unique ecosystem.”
Safuli said authorities expect numbers to keep rising through 2026 as promotion efforts intensify.
“Going forward, we expect Victoria Falls to attract more visitors. As ZimParks, we remain committed to ensuring that all tourists visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site enjoy a safe and premium experience,” he said.
Tourism is a strategic sector under Zimbabwe’s economic development plans. The destination supports thousands of jobs in hospitality, transport, retail and related industries.
Economic analyst Stevenson Dlamini said tourism’s impact goes beyond the sector.
“Tourism has strong multiplier effects across the economy. Every additional tourist supports employment, creates demand for local goods and services, and generates foreign currency earnings,” Dlamini said.
“Growth at Victoria Falls translates into broader economic benefits for both local communities and the national economy,” he said.
The area has attracted investment in recent years, with new hotels, eco-lodges and tourism facilities opening around Victoria Falls. Authorities have also intensified conservation efforts to protect biodiversity and maintain the destination’s appeal.
Industry stakeholders say infrastructure development, improved visitor experiences and enhanced marketing are strengthening Zimbabwe’s competitiveness in the regional tourism market.
The increase reflects growing demand for nature-based and adventure tourism experiences.
With visitor numbers trending upward and further investments expected, tourism authorities remain optimistic that momentum will continue through 2026, supporting economic growth, job creation and foreign currency earnings.
