Zim GBC News | Tourism News
HARARE – The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has issued a stern ultimatum to all tourism-related businesses nationwide, warning that unregistered facilities will face immediate closure as the deadline for mandatory registration approaches on 28 February 2026.
In a press statement released today, the ZTA announced that nationwide inspections will commence from 1 March 2026, conducted in collaboration with law enforcement agencies across all ten provinces, to verify registration status and enforce compliance with the Tourism Act [Chapter 14:20].
Reduced Fees to Encourage Compliance
The Government of Zimbabwe, in its ongoing efforts to improve the Ease of Doing Business, has significantly reduced licence and registration fees across all categories, with the objective of fostering a competitive, compliant, and sustainable tourism sector.
The fee reduction forms part of broader efforts to encourage formalisation within the industry while ensuring that all operators meet the required regulatory standards.
Statutory Requirements
In terms of Section 36 of the Tourism Act, the ZTA hereby notifies ALL tourism-related businesses (designated tourist facilities) that registration with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority is mandatory and a statutory requirement.
“Failure to register will result in the CLOSURE of unregistered facilities,” the authority warned in its statement.
Nationwide Inspections Loom
To enforce compliance, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, will conduct nationwide inspections across all ten provinces to verify registration status, ensure adherence to regulatory standards, and take enforcement action against all non-compliant operators.
The inspections blitz represents one of the most comprehensive enforcement operations in the sector’s recent history, signalling government’s determination to bring order and professionalism to the tourism industry.
Public Urged to Avoid Unregistered Facilities
The authority has also called upon the public to play an active role in ensuring compliance.
“The public is strongly discouraged from utilising unregistered tourism facilities and is encouraged to report any facility operating without valid registration to the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority,” the statement read.
Deadline and Contact Information
With the deadline for registration set for 28 February 2026, tourism operators have just two weeks to regularise their status before the enforcement blitz begins on 1 March 2026.
For more information and to begin the registration process, operators are encouraged to email registration@ztazim.co.zw or visit any ZTA offices nationwide.
The authority has also provided multiple contact numbers for inquiries via call or WhatsApp:
· Beauty: +263773405787
· Solomon: +263773492251
· Patience: +263773053001
· Fortunate: +263772876893
· Farai: +263772350489
· Clemence: +263772113138
Final Warning
In a stark conclusion to its announcement, the ZTA left no room for ambiguity:
“Compliance is not optional. Register, operate legally and protect the integrity of Zimbabwe’s tourism sector!”
The move is expected to bring hundreds of informal tourism operators into the formal regulatory framework, ensuring that Zimbabwe’s tourism offerings meet international standards while protecting consumers from unregulated and potentially unsafe facilities.
As the 28 February deadline looms, tourism operators across the country are urged to act swiftly to avoid finding their businesses shuttered when inspectors begin their nationwide blitz on 1 March.
FOLLOW US FOR REAL-TIME UPDATES:
· X (Twitter): @ZimGbc
· Instagram: @ZimGBCNews
· TikTok: @ZimGBCNews_01
· Facebook: Zim GBC News
· YouTube: Zim GBC News
Get real-time alerts on WhatsApp:
📱
+263 773 820 323
Zim GBC News | Global News From An African Perspective©️2026