Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
THE tourism industry has commended the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) for introducing electronic licensing, stating that the move will reduce administrative bottlenecks, improve regulatory efficiency, and make it easier for operators to comply with licensing requirements.
The transition from physical tourism licences to electronic licences took effect on October 1, 2026, as part of the authority’s efforts to embrace digitalisation and streamline administrative processes. In a notice announcing the development, the ZTA said the initiative is intended to improve accessibility and efficiency while maintaining existing licensing requirements and regulatory obligations for tourism operators.
“The transition from physical tourism licences to electronic licences, effective 1 October 2026, is part of the Authority’s ongoing efforts to embrace digitalisation, streamline administrative processes and enhance the ease of doing business for tourism operators,” read the statement.
“The initiative is designed to improve accessibility and efficiency while maintaining the existing licensing requirements and regulatory obligations for all tourism operators.”
Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe (TBCZ) president Ms Kathy Kathewela welcomed the development, noting that it addresses longstanding concerns raised by operators over the physical licensing process.
“Through our engagements with ZTA, particularly via the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC), we have consistently raised concerns from tourism operators regarding the challenges associated with the physical certificate process. For years, this has been a concern within the industry,” she said.
Ms Kathewela noted that the transition demonstrates the ZTA’s responsiveness to industry concerns and will help modernise tourism administration.
“We are therefore pleased to see this progressive move towards digitalisation, which embraces technology, improves efficiency and makes it easier for operators to do business. We believe this is a positive step towards modernising tourism administration and enhancing the competitiveness of Zimbabwe’s tourism sector,” she said.
Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) president Ms Emmah Rufaro Kativu also welcomed the initiative, stating that the electronic platform will make registration and licensing more accessible, particularly for operators who previously faced challenges travelling to ZTA offices to submit documents.
“We are excited about this development because it makes it easier for people to comply with registration and licensing requirements,” she said.
Ms Kativu urged private sector players to follow the ZTA’s example by adopting digital systems to improve business processes and accessibility. Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe (SOAZ) executive director Mr Stanley Mudawarima said the initiative has been welcomed by both SOAZ and the Zimbabwe Tourism Operators Association (ZTOA).
“Such practical reforms demonstrate how digital technology can improve regulatory efficiency and strengthen the relationship between the regulator and the industry it serves,” he said.
Mr Mudawarima called for continued modernisation of regulatory and administrative systems, including greater integration, improved accessibility, and increased efficiency for tourism businesses. The industry’s endorsement highlights the importance of engagement between regulators and private sector players in identifying operational challenges and implementing reforms that support business growth.
Ultimately, the move is expected to contribute to a more accessible licensing system while supporting Zimbabwe’s efforts to build a competitive and sustainable tourism sector. By embracing electronic licensing, the ZTA is seeking to modernise service delivery, facilitate compliance, and improve the operating environment for tourism enterprises.
