ZTA Slashes Fees, Warns of Closures for Unregistered Facilities

Itai Mazire

In a significant move aimed at bolstering its vital tourism sector, the Government of Zimbabwe, through the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), has announced a drastic reduction in licence and registration fees across all categories.

This initiative, part of broader efforts to enhance the Ease of Doing Business, comes with a stern warning, all tourism-related businesses must register by February 28, 2026, or face immediate closure.

The ZTA’s decision to cut fees is designed to foster a competitive, compliant, and sustainable tourism environment.

The sector is a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s economy, renowned for its diverse attractions including the majestic Victoria Falls, the wildlife-rich Hwange National Park, and the historical Great Zimbabwe ruins.

It plays a crucial role in foreign currency generation and economic diversification.According to statement by ZTA, registration is not merely encouraged but is a statutory requirement.

“In this regard, and in terms of Section 36 of the Tourism Act (Chapter 14:20), the ZTA hereby notifies ALL tourism-related businesses (designated tourist facilities) that registration with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority is mandatory and a statutory requirement.”

The Authority has made it unequivocally clear about the consequences of non-compliance. “Failure to register will result in the CLOSURE of unregistered facilities,” the statement warns.

To enforce this, the ZTA, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, will embark on nationwide inspections starting March 1, 2026.

These inspections will span all ten provinces, verifying registration status, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards, and taking decisive action against non-compliant operators.

The public is also urged to play a role in upholding industry standards.

The ZTA “strongly discouraged from utilising unregistered tourism facilities and is encouraged to report any facility operating without valid registration to the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority.”