Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
THE Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has embarked on a nationwide compliance and enforcement blitz targeting tourism operators operating outside the country’s legal and regulatory framework.
The exercise has already resulted in the closure of some restaurants for allegedly failing to meet requirements prescribed under Section 36 of the Tourism Act (Chapter 14:20).
ZTA chief executive officer Dr George Manyaya said the enforcement drive was continuing beyond the national compliance blitz conducted earlier this year, with regional managers now carrying out similar exercises across all provinces.
In an interview with Zimpapers, Dr Manyaya said the ongoing programme was aimed at strengthening compliance across the tourism sector by ensuring that operators were properly registered, licensed and operating in accordance with the law and applicable standards.
“Rather than serving solely as an enforcement measure, the programme forms part of the Authority’s broader mandate to promote a well-regulated, credible and sustainable tourism industry. The programme has been extended to all provinces, where ZTA regional managers are carrying out the same exercise,” he said.
Dr Manyaya said operators found running designated tourism facilities without the requisite registration and licence were primarily in breach of Section 36 of the Tourism Act, which provides for the registration and licensing of designated tourism facilities.
“The Authority undertakes different categories of inspections, depending on the regulatory purpose and circumstances.
“A registration inspection is undertaken when an operator applies to be registered and licensed. At this stage, ZTA assesses the facility against the minimum registration standards applicable to its category, as provided for under SI 106 of 1996,” he said.
Dr Manyaya said grading inspections primarily applied to accommodation establishments and were mandatory for applicable facilities.
He said such inspections were generally conducted once every two years, although they could also be undertaken when a facility had undergone major refurbishment and sought reassessment or an upgrade.
“The Authority may further undertake inspections in response to complaints or where there are concerns regarding the standards or compliance of a particular facility.
“These inspections enable ZTA to establish a position on the ground and provide recommendations on areas requiring improvement,” he said.
Dr Manyaya said the authority also conducted targeted enforcement exercises, including the ongoing compliance programme, to identify unregistered and non-compliant tourism operators.
The latest blitz comes as authorities continue efforts to improve standards in the tourism sector and ensure that operators comply with statutory requirements governing the industry.
