OREANDA-NEWS. BMI View: Zimbabwe's tourism sector is expected to go through a slump in 2016, highly influenced by a 15% VAT on tourist accommodation. Regional arrivals are expected to decrease through the forecast period as travel becomes relatively more expensive, while overseas arrivals are forecast to increase. Even though Zimbabwe has high potential to become a tourist hub through its vast attractions, hindrance is caused by unsophisticated travel routes, poor infrastructure and adverse policies deterring international investments.

Key Updates And Forecasts

- Fastjet, the low-cost African carrier has introduced two weekly flights from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls.

- Chinese visitors to Zimbabwe will be allowed to apply for a visa upon arrival following a loosening of visa restrictions. Additionally, visas have been scrapped entirely for countries within the South African Development Community (SADC).

- Total inbound arrivals are forecast to rise by 9.8% between 2016 and 2020, reaching over 2.8mn by the end of the period.

- In March 2016, Zimbabwe won the award for Best Destination for adventure at the International Tourism Bourse in Berlin, a recognition which could boost the tourism sector.

- International tourism receipts will see a steady increase throughout the forecast period, which will be in line with the increased overseas arrivals.