Zimbabwe’s Faith-Based Tourism Shines with Benny Hinn’s High-Profile Crusade in Harare

The arrival of Pastor Benny Hinn in Zimbabwe for a three-day spiritual crusade marks a transformative moment for the country’s tourism landscape. From 10-12 October 2025, tens of thousands are set to gather at The Miracle Gardens Ashdown in Harare, highlighting Zimbabwe’s growing status as a powerhouse for religious tourism in sub-Saharan Africa. This event not only underscores the intersection of faith and travel but also serves as a catalyst for economic activity and international exposure for the host nation.

Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, led by Minister Barbara Rwodzi, has placed a strong emphasis on the importance of this visit. Minister Rwodzi welcomed Pastor Hinn with a presentation of Zimbabwe’s national fabric, a gesture symbolizing the nation’s warmth, heritage, and renowned hospitality. Such ceremonies reinforce the country’s commitment to positioning itself as a welcoming destination for both spiritual and leisure travelers, and highlight the strategic role of cultural diplomacy in tourism.

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Tongai Mnangagwa, described the event as “a spiritual and economic blessing,” reflecting the dual impact of faith-based gatherings on Zimbabwe’s society and economy. The Deputy Minister emphasised that Pastor Hinn’s visit is much more than a religious milestone. “His visit is a blessing not only to the faithful but also to our tourism industry. It showcases Zimbabwe’s culture, spirituality, and hospitality to the world,” he stated, pointing to the far-reaching benefits that extend well beyond the immediate religious community.

The government has been actively cultivating the Religious Tourism Cluster, aiming to diversify Zimbabwe’s tourism sector and attract new visitor segments. The ongoing commitment to this initiative is evident in the warm reception given to international religious figures and the robust support for large-scale spiritual events. Deputy Minister Mnangagwa further elaborated, “Through the Religious Tourism Cluster, we are opening our doors to pilgrims and believers from across the world. This is a powerful way to celebrate our identity while supporting our communities through tourism-driven economic activity.”

Tourism Ministry projections suggest that the Benny Hinn Crusade will draw approximately 45,000 domestic tourists and 3,000 international faith travelers. This influx is expected to provide a substantial boost to Harare’s accommodation, transportation, food, and energy sectors, as thousands of visitors seek services and experiences across the city. The impact is likely to cascade throughout the economy, benefiting hotel operators, food suppliers, transport companies, and local vendors, all of whom play a role in delivering a seamless visitor experience.

Pastor Hinn, renowned for his global ministry, expressed his admiration for Zimbabwe, describing it as “a land of immense beauty and deep faith.” He remarked on the unique combination of the country’s scenic landscapes and the genuine warmth and devotion of its people. “Zimbabwe is truly blessed—not only with beautiful scenery but also with a people whose warmth and devotion are remarkable. This crusade will be a time of spiritual renewal and also a celebration of Zimbabwe’s unity and culture,” he shared, indicating that faith-based events can serve as powerful vehicles for both spiritual enrichment and cultural exchange.

On a broader scale, the success of such high-profile religious events demonstrates the transformative potential of faith-based tourism for African destinations. Deputy Minister Mnangagwa highlighted that the crusade is “not just a spiritual gathering; it is an economic and cultural milestone.” He pointed to the measurable impact on arrivals and local businesses, as well as the intangible benefits of positioning Zimbabwe as a “welcoming, spiritually vibrant destination.” This positioning is crucial for countries seeking to differentiate themselves in a competitive regional tourism market and attract both repeat and first-time international visitors.

The Deputy Minister also stressed the importance of partnerships across the tourism sector, including collaboration between government, faith-based organizations, and private enterprises. “From hotels and food suppliers to transport operators and vendors, everyone benefits when visitors come. This is inclusive tourism in action,” he observed. Such synergy is vital for sustaining the momentum generated by major events and ensuring that the economic benefits are widely shared across communities.

The Benny Hinn Crusade is expected to reinforce Zimbabwe’s reputation as a regional hub for religious and cultural tourism, aligning with the country’s strategic goal of promoting diverse tourism experiences rooted in its heritage and faith. By embracing religious tourism, Zimbabwe is not only diversifying its visitor profile but also driving investment into critical sectors of the economy, strengthening its global brand, and supporting local livelihoods.

This focus on faith-driven events is increasingly relevant for the broader African travel market. As more countries recognize the potential of religious and cultural gatherings to stimulate travel, there is growing interest in developing infrastructure, hospitality offerings, and marketing strategies tailored to the unique needs of spiritual travelers. For industry professionals across the continent, Zimbabwe’s example offers valuable lessons in harnessing the power of faith, culture, and partnership to drive tourism growth in new directions.

Looking ahead, the success of the Benny Hinn Crusade is likely to encourage further investment in religious tourism, not just in Zimbabwe but throughout Africa. As destinations compete for the attention of global pilgrims and faith-based organizations, the ability to deliver memorable, well-organized events will be a key differentiator. For the African travel sector, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity: to innovate, collaborate, and tell stories that inspire visitors from every walk of life.