Faith Ndou
MASVINGO-The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has shut down 10 unregistered tourism operators in Masvingo Province as part of an ongoing nationwide blitz targeting players operating without valid licences or those that have failed to renew them.
The enforcement exercise, which began on March 1, is aimed at ensuring compliance in the tourism sector while promoting sustainability and improving the ease of doing business.
Speaking on the development, ZTA Masvingo Provincial Manager Bridgette Shambare said the operation is targeting tourism facilities operating outside the legal framework.
“The blitz is aimed at operators trading without licences and those that have not renewed their licences. So far, 10 operators have been shut down in Masvingo Province,” she said.
Shambare added that the authority has also recorded 25 new registrations, comprising accommodation facilities and restaurants as operators move to regularise their businesses.
“We are encouraging operators of designated tourist facilities to comply and regularise their operations. They can contact ZTA for assistance,” she said.
Shambare said Masvingo Province has more than 150 tourism facilities and they are still registerig new players in the cut throat industry.
Last month, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority issued a notice warning of the mandatory registration of all tourism related businesses under Section 36 of the Tourism Act [Chapter 14:20].
According to the authority, the registration deadline was February 28 2026, after which nationwide inspections and enforcement began.
Under Statutory Instrument 27 of 2026, all applications for registration now require a non-refundable application fee of US$20 with annual licensing fees varying depending on the type of tourism facility.
One-star hotels pay US$200 annually while five-star hotels pay US$2 000. Guest houses and lodges pay between US$200 and US$300 while restaurants are charged between US$450 and US$700, depending on their rating.
Other tourism-related services such as tour operators, travel agencies, events planners and conference venues are also required to register and pay annual licensing fees as stipulated by the statutory instrument.
The enforcement drive comes as Masvingo prepares to host the upcoming Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, one of Zimbabwe’s premier tourism events, making it crucial for tourism operators in the province to comply with regulations and maintain required industry standards.
The authority said the ongoing inspections are meant to ensure that all tourism operators comply with regulations and uphold the quality and reputation of the country’s tourism sector.
