Biblio

The Zimbabwe tourism industry, like in many countries of the world, witnessed a phenomenal increase in international tourist arrivals from 1980 to 1999. However, unlike the rest of the world, the country suffered a dramatic downturn in subsequent years, from 2000 to 2005 and, perhaps, beyond. Although Zimbabwe produced annual reports on tourism demand trends and patterns during this period, the reports were rather shy on the causes of the slump. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to identify the factors responsible for the downward in tourism trends and changes in patterns from 2000 to 2005. Based on available secondary data sources, the study attributed the downturn to political violence, instability and insecurity due to land invasions and general elections; a harsh economic environment characterized by high inflation, a distorted exchange rate, price increases and shortages of basic commodities; deteriorating tourism infrastructure and facilities; negative publicity; and a poor image in which Zimbabwe was viewed by the world markets, particularly the high spending tourists from Western Europe and North America. The major recommendation of the paper, therefore, is that Zimbabwe needs to drastically change the country?s current image as perceived by the outside world and restore the confidence of the traveling public.