Grand Reef Airport Upgrade Set to Boost Zimbabwe's Tourism Industry

Strategic Insights -

The upgrade of Grand Reef Airport in Mutare is seen as a significant step towards unlocking the tourism potential of Zimbabwe's Eastern Highlands. This milestone development comes as Zimbabwe has launched a new national Tourism and Hospitality Industry Policy (2025-2030) aimed at transforming the country into a world-class destination. The policy focuses on leveraging Zimbabwe's unique heritage, developing physical and digital infrastructure, strengthening human capacity, promoting international partnerships, and fostering a 'whole-of-government' and private-sector-driven approach. The upgrade of the airport, which includes the expansion of the aerodrome to accommodate larger aircraft, rehabilitation of the Mutare Flyover and feeder roads, and refurbishment of the iconic Mutare Sports Club, is expected to drive a surge in tourist arrivals. The Government's efforts have been praised by stakeholders in the tourism industry, who see this development as a critical step towards achieving the country's tourism growth targets.

Key Takeaways:

  • The upgrade of Grand Reef Airport in Mutare is seen as a landmark development for the growth of tourism in Zimbabwe's Eastern Highlands.
  • The new national Tourism and Hospitality Industry Policy (2025-2030) aims to transform the country into a world-class destination and significantly grow the sector's economic contribution by 2030.
  • The policy focuses on leveraging Zimbabwe's unique heritage, developing physical and digital infrastructure, strengthening human capacity, promoting international partnerships, and fostering a 'whole-of-government' and private-sector-driven approach.
  • The upgrade of the airport is expected to drive a surge in tourist arrivals, driven by improved air connectivity.
  • Mutare's hosting of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo is set to revitalise domestic tourism while catalysing broader economic activity in the region.
  • International tourism buyers have described Zimbabwe as a 'hidden gem' with immense potential.
  • A notable quote from Ms Saskia Reinders, a prominent tour operator from Germany: "Zimbabwe is such a beautiful, untapped tourist destination in Africa and in the world."

Statistics:

  • 48-seater ATR42-500 aircraft made a historic landing at Grand Reef Airport, marking the inaugural landing of an international flight.
  • As of September, Zimbabwe is hosting the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo, a milestone that aligns with the Second Republic's devolution agenda.
  • The touristic appeal of the Eastern Highlands has received expressions of interest from international buyers, with three groups from the UK, Germany, and Slovenia.
  • 18th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo is being hosted in Manicaland Province for the first time.
  • Zimbabwe's Tourism and Hospitality Industry Policy (2025-2030) aims to grow the sector's economic contribution by 2030.

Sources:

  • "Zimbabwe launches new national Tourism and Hospitality Industry Policy (2025-2030) to transform the country into a world-class destination." (Source: The Herald, August)
  • "Grand Reef Airport upgrade to boost tourism in Zimbabwe's Eastern Highlands." (Source: The Herald, September)
  • Quotes from stakeholders in the tourism industry, including Ms Saskia Reinders, Mr Lado Rot, and Mr Scott Monaco, are directly from their statements in the article.