Zimbabwe has been named the ‘world’s best country to visit in 2025’ by Forbes, marking a major tourism milestone for the southern African nation. The recognition, based on the magazine’s annual global travel ranking, highlights Zimbabwe’s scenic beauty and growing international appeal.
The Forbes report credited Victoria Falls, the Eastern Highlands, and the country’s diverse hiking terrain as key attractions. It also praised Zimbabwe’s opportunities for wellness and adventure travel, as well as the ease of movement for visitors within the country.
Harare and Bulawayo see surge in travel interest
According to Forbes, Harare has recorded a 56 per cent rise in flight enquiries, while Bulawayo — the gateway to Matobo National Park — saw flight searches soar by more than 80 per cent in recent months. The magazine said its rankings were compiled through interviews with international travel experts and analysts.
Bulawayo, which houses the Natural History Museum, serves as a hub for travellers exploring Zimbabwe’s rich cultural and ecological heritage. The Forbes report described Zimbabwe as a destination offering ‘astonishing landscapes, rich biodiversity, and warm hospitality’.
EU praises ‘well-deserved’ honour
The European Union lauded Zimbabwe’s recognition as ‘well-deserved’, commending its ‘astonishing landscapes, rich biodiversity, and warm hospitality’. The EU said the ranking was a reflection of the country’s growing tourism momentum and its potential to compete with top global destinations.
Government credits Mnangagwa and First Lady
Zimbabwe’s government welcomed the global honour, attributing it to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership and tourism policies. Officials also praised First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa — who serves as the country’s culture and heritage ambassador — for ‘positioning Zimbabwe as a premier travel hub’.
However, Forbes made no reference to political leadership in its report, which focused on travel experiences and expert reviews.
Africa’s tourism landscape in numbers
Zimbabwe was the only African nation to break into Forbes’ top five, with Morocco following at number six globally. Lithuania and Sri Lanka ranked second and third respectively.
In 2024, Zimbabwe received 1.6 million tourists — far fewer than Morocco’s 17.4 million and Egypt’s 15.7 million. Tunisia recorded 10.3 million arrivals, while South Africa and Algeria posted 8.9 million and 3.5 million respectively.
Despite the lower visitor numbers, Forbes emphasised that its rankings were based on scenic value, cultural appeal, and traveller experience rather than sheer tourist volume.
Growing revenue amid global spotlight
Tourism contributed $1.2bn to Zimbabwe’s economy in 2024, according to official data. While that figure lags behind Morocco’s $11bn and Egypt’s $14bn in tourism earnings, the Forbes recognition is expected to boost Zimbabwe’s visibility on the global stage and attract more international visitors in 2025.
Zimbabwe’s economy, driven by services, agriculture and mining, is home to nearly 17 million people. With Forbes’s endorsement, it now faces a new challenge — converting global attention into sustainable tourism growth.
