Successive Cyclone Idai Disaster and Covid-19 Pandemic Negatively Affected Tourist Arrivals in Chimanimani National Park, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Zimbabwe suffered a devastating meteorological disaster when Cyclone Idai affected the southeast part of the country in March 2019. Barely a year after the cyclone event, the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic emerged. This study explored how consecutive Cyclone Idai and Covid-19 affected tourist arrivals in Chimanimani National Park (CNP), Zimbabwe through; (i). Determining trend in tourist arrivals between 2010 and 2022, (ii). Establishing how Cyclone Idai and Covid-19 affected tourist arrivals and, (iii). Determining groups of tourist mostly affected by the consecutive Cyclone Idai and Covid-19 pandemic in CNP, Zimbabwe. Analysis of printed and electronic literature and tourists arrival records (2010-2022) from the Zimparks Chimanimani tourist office was done. There was a significant difference in number of tourist arrivals recorded before and after Cyclone Idai and Covid-19 incidence (p-value – 0.004). Tourist arrivals declined beginning 2019 to 2021. Local adult arrivals decreased from an average of 3566.75 to 1222 representing 34.26% while international adults’ arrival per annum decreased from 375.75 to 101.75 representing 27.08% during the same period. Tropical Cyclone Idai left trail of destruction on road networks, while Covid-19 resulted in travel restrictions and prohibited gatherings. Future researches may quantify in monetary value, total losses incurred in CNP as a result of consecutive Cyclone Idai and Covid-19 pandemic.