Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe
Zimpapers Business Hub
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) is now the primary regulatory body for all tourism businesses, a move that forms part of the Government’s comprehensive package of reforms for the sector under the Ease of Doing Business initiatives to revitalise and expand Zimbabwe’s tourism industry, which is recognised as a crucial pillar of economic growth.
The latest reforms come as the Government reiterates its commitment to improving the investment climate to attract both domestic and foreign investors in line with the national vision of attaining an Upper Middle-Income Society by 2030.
In a statement outlining the tourism sector reforms, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, said the measures form part of the broader economic transformation agenda aimed at increasing investment, strengthening competitiveness and positioning Zimbabwe as a leading regional destination for travel, leisure and business.
To date, the Ease of Doing Business Reforms have been implemented across sectors such as livestock, transport, wholesale and retail.
“Now the Government turns to the Tourism Sector, one of the anchors of the Zimbabwean economy,” said Prof Ncube.
He said the tourism industry remains a strategic pillar within Zimbabwe’s economic development matrix, given its contribution to employment creation, foreign currency earnings and inclusive growth.
In recognition of this potential, the Government has intensified structural and regulatory reforms to ensure a predictable, transparent and investor-friendly operating environment.
Among the priority interventions are streamlined licensing processes, enhanced fiscal and policy incentives, infrastructure modernisation, strengthened destination marketing initiatives and improved governance and investor protection.
Prof Ncube said the Government has simplified licensing procedures for tourism operators, through consolidating permits, reducing turnaround times and digitalising critical services.
“The primary regulatory authority for all tourism businesses is now the ZTA. Under this new dispensation, all local authority licence fees, which varied from local authority to local authority, have all been reduced by 50 percent. The ZTA has reduced the renewal of hotel licences to lower the cost of doing business,” he said.
Registration and renewal fees for 5-Star hotels have been slashed to US$2 000, down from US$5 250, while guest houses will now pay US$150, reduced from US$500.The Liquor Licence requirement has been removed, as it is already administered by local authorities.
According to the approved fee structure, grading and re-grading for 1-star hotels, motels and inns has been set at US$500, with mandatory renewal every two years. Homestay facilities are pegged at US$20.
“This is meant to enable individuals to benefit from business opportunities that arise in the tourism sector, including tourism business arising from the country hosting adhoc national/international events,” reads the document in part.
The Government has introduced targeted incentives to stimulate new investments in accommodation, conferencing, aviation, eco-tourism and cultural tourism.
“These include the removal of the US$600 Annual Commercial Boat Permit, a 50 percent reduction of the Houseboat Permit to US$1 250, and the reduction of the External Tour Operators Licence from US$3 000 to US$1 500.
“The Aircraft Licence registration has been significantly reduced from between US$500–US$1 000 to US$20. Other ancillary services such as Conference Operator, Events Companies, Travel Agencies and registration of restaurants, takeaways and fast foods and coffee shops have been reduced from US$305 to US$100,” said Prof Ncube.
The Government continues to prioritise the rehabilitation and expansion of key infrastructure that supports tourism.
Priority projects include ongoing upgrades at the Beitbridge Border Post, expansion works at Victoria Falls Airport, rehabilitation of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road, and the rollout of smart border technologies to improve efficiency at ports of entry.
These upgrades are expected to significantly enhance the visitor experience and operational efficiency for operators.
Strengthening destination marketing remains central to the tourism recovery and growth drive.
“Collaborative marketing efforts with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), regional bodies and private-sector associations are being intensified to reposition Zimbabwe as a safe, competitive and attractive destination. Strategic partnerships with airlines, hospitality groups and international tourism associations have been strengthened to widen Zimbabwe’s global reach,” he said. Prof Ncube said that the Government has reinforced investor protection mechanisms through the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), strengthened dispute-resolution frameworks and improved the overall legal environment to ensure predictable, rules-based business operations.
The Government has also revised the General Investment Licence from US$5 000 annually to US$4 000 over three years, while Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Designation Certificate fees have been reduced to drive industrialisation and enhance competitiveness.
“The Government reassures investors and industry stakeholders that it remains committed to addressing any remaining bottlenecks to business operations, including further reducing bureaucratic processes, expanding digital public services, and enhancing inter-agency coordination.”
Prof Ncube said as Zimbabwe accelerates its tourism recovery, the reforms will continue to play a pivotal role in unlocking new investments, promoting job creation and bolstering global competitiveness.
“The Government encourages domestic and international investors to take advantage of the emerging opportunities in hospitality, aviation, meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), community tourism and related value chains.”
