Zimbabwe Crowned 2025 World’s Best Country to Visit…

…a Triumph for the Second Republic’s Tourism Sector Reforms

Our Story – Zimbabwe has once again taken center stage on the global tourism map after being named the World’s Best Country to Visit in 2025 by the prestigious Forbes Magazine.

The international publication hailed Zimbabwe as “a mosaic of rugged wild terrain and deep ancestral heritage,” celebrating the nation’s unmatched natural beauty, cultural wealth, and enduring spirit of hospitality.

This recognition marks a historic milestone for the country and underscores its growing status as a premier global destination — one that seamlessly blends adventure, tranquility, and cultural authenticity.

From the thunderous Victoria Falls to the misty Eastern Highlands, Zimbabwe continues to offer the world a tapestry of experiences that captivate travelers’ hearts and minds.

In its feature, Forbes described Zimbabwe as a “traveler’s paradise,” emphasizing the breathtaking diversity of its landscapes — from the roaring Zambezi River to the expansive savannahs of Hwange National Park, and from the ancient stone walls of Great Zimbabwe to the serene waters of Lake Kariba.

The magazine also praised the nation’s five UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Victoria Falls, Great Zimbabwe Monument, Matobo Hills, Mana Pools National Park, and Khami Ruins — as timeless treasures that define the African spirit.

It is this unique blend of wild beauty and deep cultural identity that earned Zimbabwe the coveted title.

For travelers seeking not just scenery but soul, Zimbabwe, according to Forbes, “embodies Africa’s essence — raw, real, and restorative.”

The announcement comes at a time when the country’s attention is centered on Mutare, in the Eastern Highlands, where ZANU PF is hosting its 22nd National People’s Conference.

Forbes highlighted this region — characterized by rolling mist, lush tea estates, and tranquil mountain trails — as one of the most underrated gems in Southern Africa.

“From Vumba to Nyanga, Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands offer travelers a sanctuary of peace, wellness, and spiritual renewal,” the publication wrote.

The coincidence of this global recognition with the conference being held in Mutare further elevates the city’s profile, underscoring its importance as both a political and tourism hub.

Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, welcomed the award with excitement, describing it as a powerful endorsement of Zimbabwe’s tourism revival.

“This accolade affirms Zimbabwe’s position as a safe, welcoming, and world-class destination,” said Minister Rwodzi. “It comes after the successful hosting of the 2025 Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo in Mutare, where the world witnessed first-hand our hospitality, infrastructure growth, and investment opportunities.”

She added that the award reflects the success of President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s vision to make tourism one of the key pillars of Vision 2030, alongside agriculture, mining, and manufacturing.

Under the Second Republic, Zimbabwe has made significant strides in rebuilding its global reputation and expanding its tourism footprint.

President Mnangagwa’s economic reform agenda, anchored on the principle of “Zimbabwe is open for business,” has paved the way for renewed international engagement, infrastructure rehabilitation, and investment in tourism development zones.

The government’s focus on engagement and re-engagement has seen a surge in visitor confidence, with international arrivals rising steadily.

Improved airport facilities, upgraded national parks, and enhanced road networks have made access to key attractions more convenient and appealing.

Tourism now contributes substantially to GDP growth and employment, generating thousands of jobs in hospitality, transport, and creative industries.

The sector is also a major source of foreign currency, positioning it as a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s economic resilience.

For Zimbabweans, this recognition by Forbes is not merely a travel accolade — it is a story of resilience and national pride.

Despite years of economic challenges, the country has managed to preserve its natural treasures and maintain peace and stability.

The award symbolizes how Zimbabwe’s efforts to rebuild its global image are bearing fruit. Tour operators, hotel owners, park authorities, and local communities have all played a role in redefining Zimbabwe’s tourism narrative — one of authenticity, safety, and world-class experience.

From luxury safari lodges in Mana Pools to community-run eco-lodges in Matobo, Zimbabwe’s tourism model increasingly integrates local empowerment, sustainability, and conservation.

Over the past five years, the government has implemented robust reforms to position tourism as a growth driver.

Key reform initiatives include the Visa modernization and e-visa platforms set out to simplify entry for international visitors.

Also worth noting are the Investment incentives under the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) for hotel and resort development.

Public-private partnerships for heritage site conservation and infrastructure rehabilitation have also contributed significantly to the growth of a positive tourism environment for the country.

With robust Marketing collaborations through the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) and regional tourism bodies like SADC and AU, Zimbabwe has been able to attract more visitors from the region and beyond.

The successful hosting of major international events such as the Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo, Victoria Falls Marathon, and Visit Zimbabwe Campaigns in global capitals has further strengthened the country’s international presence.

Forbes’ description of Zimbabwe as “a land where every sunrise tells a story” captures the emotional pull that the nation exerts on travelers.

The country’s tourism offering transcends ordinary sightseeing — it invites immersion into a living heritage.

Visitors can trace ancient civilizations at Great Zimbabwe, witness wildlife at close range in Hwange, canoe down the Zambezi, or meditate amid the granite hills of Matobo.

The diversity of experiences, combined with unmatched hospitality and safety, makes Zimbabwe the ultimate African destination for 2025 and beyond.

President Mnangagwa has consistently emphasized that tourism growth must benefit every Zimbabwean — rural and urban alike.

His principle of “leaving no one and no place behind” resonates across all sectors, ensuring that development reaches even remote communities.

In line with this philosophy, community-based tourism projects have expanded across the country, allowing local people to derive direct income from conservation and cultural preservation.

These initiatives not only empower communities but also enrich visitor experiences with authenticity and warmth.

“Zimbabwe’s beauty is not just in its landscapes, but in its people,” President Mnangagwa has often remarked.

Being crowned the World’s Best Country to Visit is more than an honor — it is a call to action. It challenges Zimbabwe to sustain its high standards, deepen innovation in tourism products, and continue building an inclusive, world-class destination.

As the country heads toward Vision 2030, the award serves as both recognition and motivation. It affirms that the Second Republic’s efforts to rebrand Zimbabwe are succeeding, and that the nation’s greatest resource — its people and heritage — continue to shine on the world stage.

From the mighty Victoria Falls to the peaceful Vumba Hills, from ancient ruins to modern resorts, Zimbabwe is not just a place to visit — it’s a place to fall in love with.