News / National
Victoria Falls shines on global stage, road a growing concern
18 hrs ago | Views
Zimbabwe's crown jewel, the majestic Victoria Falls, continues to captivate the world's attention, registering a significant rise in international tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2025. According to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), 47,633 international visitors explored the iconic rain forest between January and March, up from 44,110 during the same period last year.
This growth, driven largely by interest from European travelers - particularly from the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Germany - reflects successful marketing and improved accessibility through direct international flights, including new routes from Frankfurt, Germany.
Overall, 61,139 people visited the Victoria Falls Rainforest in the first quarter of 2025, compared to 59,718 in 2024. ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo cited the expansion of Victoria Falls International Airport, a rise in tailored tour packages, and the implementation of the KAZA UniVisa - which facilitates smoother travel between Zimbabwe and Zambia - as key factors behind the increased global interest.
"The KAZA visa has played a pivotal role in encouraging cross-border tourism," said Farawo. "It offers a seamless travel experience that allows visitors to enjoy both sides of the falls without bureaucratic hurdles."
However, while the world flocks to Victoria Falls, local tourism is faltering. Domestic visitor numbers declined from 15,608 in 2024 to 13,506 in 2025 - a drop attributed to the country's continued economic struggles, which have reduced the spending power of Zimbabwean citizens.
Compounding the situation is the deteriorating state of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway, a crucial road link for both local and regional travelers. Tour operators and community leaders have expressed frustration over the pothole-riddled and uneven stretches that make road travel slow, unsafe, and uncomfortable.
"This road is a lifeline for domestic tourism and regional trade," said one tour operator in Hwange. "While we applaud efforts to attract foreign visitors, neglecting key infrastructure like this highway risks damaging the long-term potential of the destination."
Despite the road challenges, the Victoria Falls brand remains strong — buoyed by its World Heritage Site status and a growing number of global endorsements. Yet experts warn that unless road infrastructure is addressed, Zimbabwe risks losing out on even greater tourism returns and frustrating the very visitors it is working so hard to attract.
With the tourism sector poised for further recovery, stakeholders are urging government and private partners to prioritize the rehabilitation of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls route, ensuring safe, accessible travel for all — and securing the future of one of Africa's most spectacular natural wonders.
This growth, driven largely by interest from European travelers - particularly from the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Germany - reflects successful marketing and improved accessibility through direct international flights, including new routes from Frankfurt, Germany.
Overall, 61,139 people visited the Victoria Falls Rainforest in the first quarter of 2025, compared to 59,718 in 2024. ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo cited the expansion of Victoria Falls International Airport, a rise in tailored tour packages, and the implementation of the KAZA UniVisa - which facilitates smoother travel between Zimbabwe and Zambia - as key factors behind the increased global interest.
"The KAZA visa has played a pivotal role in encouraging cross-border tourism," said Farawo. "It offers a seamless travel experience that allows visitors to enjoy both sides of the falls without bureaucratic hurdles."
However, while the world flocks to Victoria Falls, local tourism is faltering. Domestic visitor numbers declined from 15,608 in 2024 to 13,506 in 2025 - a drop attributed to the country's continued economic struggles, which have reduced the spending power of Zimbabwean citizens.
Compounding the situation is the deteriorating state of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway, a crucial road link for both local and regional travelers. Tour operators and community leaders have expressed frustration over the pothole-riddled and uneven stretches that make road travel slow, unsafe, and uncomfortable.
"This road is a lifeline for domestic tourism and regional trade," said one tour operator in Hwange. "While we applaud efforts to attract foreign visitors, neglecting key infrastructure like this highway risks damaging the long-term potential of the destination."
Despite the road challenges, the Victoria Falls brand remains strong — buoyed by its World Heritage Site status and a growing number of global endorsements. Yet experts warn that unless road infrastructure is addressed, Zimbabwe risks losing out on even greater tourism returns and frustrating the very visitors it is working so hard to attract.
With the tourism sector poised for further recovery, stakeholders are urging government and private partners to prioritize the rehabilitation of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls route, ensuring safe, accessible travel for all — and securing the future of one of Africa's most spectacular natural wonders.
Source - newsday
