Zimbabwe Crowned 2025’s Top Global Travel Destination by Forbes

Forbes has named Zimbabwe the world’s top travel destination for 2025, praising its heritage, natural beauty, and rebranding success (image source)

Zimbabwe has clinched the coveted title of world’s best country to visit in 2025, according to a newly released Forbes ranking that places the Southern African nation ahead of tourism giants such as Morocco, Sri Lanka, and Norway.

The recognition arrives amid Zimbabwe’s tourism resurgence, with the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry reporting over 1.6 million international visitors in 2024, generating US$1.2 billion in receipts and attracting US$190.5 million in new investments.

Forbes described Zimbabwe as “a mosaic of rugged wild terrain and deep ancestral heritage,” spotlighting its five UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Victoria Falls, Great Zimbabwe Monument, Khami Ruins, Matobo Hills, and Mana Pools National Park — as central to its appeal for cultural exploration, wellness travel, and nature-based tourism.

“The ancient stone city of Great Zimbabwe stands as a powerful reminder of the country’s layered past,” wrote Lewis Nunn, Forbes Senior Travel Editor. “Meanwhile, at Victoria Falls, the Zambezi crashes into thunderous gorges below, sending mist into the air that often catches the sun in fleeting rainbows.”

Supporting the ranking, flight search data from KAYAK showed an 80% surge in interest for Bulawayo and a 56% increase for Harare, reflecting global momentum toward the destination.

Tourism Minister Barbara Rwodzi hailed the honour, telling The Herald it affirms Zimbabwe as a “safe, peaceful, war-free tourist destination.” She added:

“We are overjoyed by the acknowledgement from Forbes and global travel experts.”

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has long championed tourism as a “low-hanging fruit” for economic expansion, job creation, and foreign currency earnings. His administration has implemented sectoral reforms, including reduced licensing fees and levies, to bolster competitiveness and investor confidence.

Local analysts echoed the sentiment, calling the recognition long overdue. Tourism researcher Dereck Goto said:

“It reflects the country’s diverse natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and the resilience of its tourism sector. Zimbabwe offers an authentic African experience that resonates with global travellers seeking meaningful and sustainable tourism.”

Fellow analyst Kudzai Mutisi described the Forbes accolade as marking “the dawn of a golden era.”

“After two decades of negative publicity, the Second Republic’s rebranding efforts are bearing fruit. The hidden gem is now the talk of the world,” he said. With social media influencers, travel bloggers, and global media outlets increasingly spotlighting Zimbabwe’s destinations, the country’s tourism industry appears poised for a transformative boom — one that could redefine its place on the world travel map.