Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira-Senior Reporter
THE Tourism Amendment Bill, which seeks to establish a standalone Tourism Fund, has been tabled in the National Assembly as Government pushes to transform the sector into a US$5 billion industry.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbra Rwodzi presented the Bill on Tuesday, where it was read for the first time before being referred to Parliament’s Legal Committee to assess its alignment with the Constitution.
Presently, tourism and hospitality industry players contribute 2 percent of their revenue to a fund managed by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA).
The proposed law aims to create a separate Tourism Fund that will enhance governance, transparency and accountability, while also providing resources to market local tourism offerings and support struggling operators.
The Bill also seeks to repeal previous legal statutes governing the ZTA and re-establishes the Authority with an updated mandate.
According to Clause 4, the ZTA will license and regulate tourism enterprises, promote Zimbabwe as a destination in local, regional and overseas markets, register and grade tourist facilities and develop marketing skills within the industry.
The Authority will be overseen by a Board, with provisions for the appointment of a chief executive officer, as well as clear administrative and financial obligations.
Clause 18 of the Bill establishes the Tourism Fund, with the Minister of Tourism as its trustee and a Council administering its operations.
The Fund will draw from industry levies, appropriations by Parliament, and other sources.
Its resources will be used to cover ZTA expenses approved in the budget and to support initiatives that promote the orderly growth of the sector.
Any surplus funds not immediately required by the ZTA may be invested with the approval of the Minister of Finance.
