Zimbabwe reopens its borders to foreign tourists. Earlier last month, Zimbabwe proclaimed the COVID-19 problem a national calamity and imposed a months-long statewide lockdown.
The restrictions have harmed the local economy, which is primarily reliant on tourism.
The Zimbabwean government just claimed an all-time high of 2.6 million visitors in 2018. The government wants tourism to be worth $5 billion by 2025. They are keen to revive tourism as soon as possible. The lockdown hit the local economy as well as the land-based casino businesses.
Many land-based casinos are employed as tourist attractions and are strategically positioned in hotels, resorts, and pubs. Because most casino operators depend on overseas tourists for commercial survival, this trend is obviously welcomed by casino operators.
Zimbabwe has eight brick-and-mortar casinos, four of which are in Harare, the country’s capital. As stated above, practically all of them are located in large hotels and tourist destinations in Zimbabwe.
All arrivals, whether locals returning home or international visitors, must have a negative PCR test within 48 hours of airplane departure.
No required quarantines for arrivals if the PCR test criterion is met; else, visitors will be quarantined for 14-21 days. While many tourist attractions and facilities have already reopened in Zimbabwe, the Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality, Hon. N.M. Ndhlovu, recently announced that “all tourism activities may now resume operations” after cabinet approval.
However, it is important to mention that Zimbabwean gambling is increasing popularity. In reality, Zimbabwe’s economy isn’t the finest in Africa. Economic distress and unemployment worsen. Many individuals consider gaming an alternative source of income. Gambling is controlled.
The Lotteries and Gaming Act of 1998 mandated the Lotteries and Gaming Board to monitor and manage Zimbabwe’s gaming sector. However, the country’s leadership agreeing to reopen for foreign tourists is quite exciting for the economy and its industries.