The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has set a February 28 deadline for the registration of all tourism facilities, warning that unregistered operators face closure.
In a public notice issued in terms of Section 36 of Zimbabwe’s Tourism Act, the authority said that registration with the ZTA is mandatory and a statutory requirement. Nationwide inspections, conducted in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, will begin on March 1 to verify registration status, ensure adherence to regulatory standards and take enforcement action against non-compliant operators.
The notice forms part of government’s stated efforts to improve the ease of doing business, including the reduction of licence and registration fees across categories to foster a competitive, compliant and sustainable tourism sector. The ZTA also urged the public to avoid using unregistered tourism facilities and to report operators without valid registration.
The authority said the deadline applies to, but is not limited to, the following categories:
- Accommodation (including short-term rentals such as Airbnbs)
- Restaurants
- Vehicle hire
- Visitor attractions
- Visitor activities
The announcement prompted mixed reactions on the ZTA’s Facebook page, with some users questioning implementation and communication.
Speaking to Tourism Update, Africa’s Eden CEO Jillian Blackbeard said there were no new compliance requirements, but rather stronger enforcement of existing statutory requirements, including ZTA registration, levies and permits. She said the issue is not the principle of compliance, but ensuring practical support during implementation.
Blackbeard warned that international tour operators face material risk if they use unregistered suppliers. Legal liability may shift to the operator if an incident occurs, financial recourse may be limited where a supplier is non-compliant and reputational damage can arise from association with illegal operators. Source-market insurers may also reject claims involving unregistered providers.
On the broader value chain, Blackbeard said: “If SMEs struggle to formalise, product diversity – particularly rural and community-based experiences – could be affected. However, structured compliance improves standards, safety and long-term sustainability. The focus must be inclusion rather than exclusion.”
On competitiveness, she noted that registration and liability cover are standard regionally. Zimbabwe’s position relative to neighbouring destinations will depend on proportional enforcement and clear, supportive pathways that enable smaller operators to transition into compliance.
Blackbeard advised international trade to verify valid ZTA registration, request current insurance certificates and passenger liability cover, include compliance clauses in contracts and work with DMCs that actively vet their supply chains.
She said a transparent, regulated environment builds trust in risk-sensitive international markets. Clear communication of the requirements to the trade, alongside practical support for SMEs, will determine whether the enforcement drive strengthens Zimbabwe’s destination credibility and long-term sustainability.
