Pastor Benny Hinn Arrives in Zimbabwe, Heralding Milestone for Religious Tourism
World-renowned evangelist Pastor Benny Hinn has touched down in Harare for a highly anticipated three-day crusade, marking a landmark moment for Zimbabwe’s Religious Tourism initiative. The event is expected to draw thousands of worshippers from across the country and beyond, highlighting Zimbabwe as a premier destination for faith-based tourism.
Welcomed warmly by government officials and faith leaders alike, Pastor Hinn's arrival has been described as "both a spiritual and economic blessing" by Deputy Tourism Minister Tongai Mnangagwa. The crusade promises a transformative experience, offering opportunities for prayer, healing, and spiritual renewal, while also generating significant economic activity for local businesses, accommodation providers, and tourism services. With services scheduled nightly, the three-day event underscores Zimbabwe’s commitment to promoting large-scale religious gatherings and positioning the country as a hub for international faith tourism.
A Historic Welcome in Harare
Upon his arrival, Pastor Hinn was personally received by the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi. The warm reception, which included a series of press interviews, underscored the national significance of the event.
In a beautiful moment of cultural exchange, Pastor Hinn was presented with a piece of Zimbabwe’s national fabric, adorned with the iconic bird emblem. The gesture symbolized the country's warmth, heritage, and appreciation for his ministry's global influence.
Pastor Hinn expressed his excitement to be in the country, describing the nation as a special place.
"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."
A Major Boost for National Tourism
Deputy Tourism Minister, Tongai Mnangagwa, hailed the event as a reflection of the government’s efforts to position Zimbabwe as a premier destination for faith-based travel through its Religious Tourism Cluster. "We are opening our doors to pilgrims and believers from across the world," he said.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that the crusade is a powerful way to celebrate Zimbabwe's identity while supporting local communities. "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 added.
Spiritual and Economic Blessings
The Tourism Ministry projects that the Benny Hinn Crusade will be a significant economic event, attracting an estimated 45,000 domestic tourists and 3,000 international religious visitors. This influx is expected to inject substantial revenue into Harare's accommodation, transport, food, and energy sectors.
Deputy Minister Mnangagwa described the event as an "economic and cultural milestone." He highlighted that partnerships between the Ministry, faith-based organizations, and the private sector are key. "From hotels and food suppliers to transport operators and vendors, everyone benefits when visitors come. This is inclusive tourism in action," he said.
Frequently Asked Questions
The visit is significant both spiritually, offering a time of renewal for tens of thousands of worshippers, and economically, as a major success for Zimbabwe's national Religious Tourism initiative.
The event is scheduled from Friday, October 10, to Sunday, October 12, 2025.
The crusade is being held at the Miracle Grounds in Ashdown Park, Harare.
No, the event is free and open to everyone.
Everyone is welcome, regardless of age, background, or denomination.
Services are scheduled for 6:00 p.m. nightly, with doors opening at 5:00 p.m.
While some reports suggest over one million attendees, other estimates place the figure at a more conservative 45,000.
The event has created controversy among residents of Ashdown Park due to potential road closures and heavy traffic. Organizers advise people to make travel arrangements in advance.
Yes, residents in the Ashdown Park area have expressed concerns about the scale of the event in a residential neighborhood.
Yes, some people have expressed concern that the event is focused more on fundraising and spectacle than genuine spirituality.
The government of Zimbabwe has officially supported the crusade as part of a "Religious Tourism" initiative, with the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry meeting with organizers.
Organizers are promoting the crusade as a time of "profound anointing, healing, and spiritual transformation".
Yes, the services are being streamed live on Benny Hinn's website, as well as on his Facebook and YouTube channels.
It is a Zimbabwean government initiative, led by the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, aimed at diversifying the country's tourism sector by actively promoting and hosting large-scale, faith-based events and attracting pilgrims from around the world.
David (Sales)