Zimbabwe’s tourism industry was experiencing a period of growth prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. The country’s diverse landscapes, rich wildlife and vibrant culture have long been attractive to international visitors. However, the coronavirus outbreak has had a severe impact on the tourism industry in Zimbabwe, as it has in many other countries around the world. In this article, we will explore the impact of Covid-19 on Zimbabwean tourism.
Zimbabwe’s Tourism Industry Pre-Covid
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, Zimbabwe’s tourism industry was experiencing a period of growth. The country’s diverse landscapes, rich wildlife and vibrant culture had made it an attractive destination for international visitors. As a result, Zimbabwe had seen a steady increase in tourism over the past few years.
The country had also made considerable investments in infrastructure to accommodate the rise in tourism. This included the development of new hotels and resorts, as well as improved transportation links to major cities. As a result, the tourism industry was contributing significantly to the country’s economy.
Impact of Covid-19 on Zimbabwean Tourism
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the tourism industry in Zimbabwe. With the introduction of travel restrictions and lockdowns, international tourism has virtually ground to a halt. This has had a significant effect on the industry, as it has been unable to generate any income for the past several months.
The impact of the pandemic has been felt by all those involved in the industry, from tour guides and hotel staff to local businesses that rely on tourism for their income. As a result, many people have been forced out of work, with little to no support from the government.
The pandemic has also had a negative impact on the country’s infrastructure, as many of the new hotels and resorts that had been built in recent years are now underutilized or closed. This has resulted in an increase in unemployment and a decrease in tax revenue for the government.
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on Zimbabwe’s tourism industry. With international travel restrictions in place, the industry has been unable to generate any income for the past several months. This has had a significant effect on those involved in the industry, as well as the country’s infrastructure and economy. It is clear that the tourism industry in Zimbabwe will take some time to recover from the effects of the pandemic.
