The Drivers and Challenges of Informal Business Tourism in Southern Africa: Evidence from Zimbabwean Cross-Border Traders

Abstract

The phenomenon of business tourism in sub-Saharan Africa is urban-centred. This paper unpacks a critical dimension of business tourism in the African city, namely the activities of informal business tourists. Specifically, the focus is on Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital city, as a destination for international informal business travellers. Under scrutiny were the associated drivers and challenges of the informal business tourism experienced by Zimbabwean cross-border traders travelling into Harare from other countries. Using qualitative obtained from 102 interviews with cross-border traders provides new insights into the reasons why Harare is a preferred destination for cross-border traders.

Keywords

• informal business tourism
• cross-border trade
• drivers and challenges
• zimbabwe
• southern africa