By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Harare- The Zimbabwean government has approved the Tourism Amendment Bill, a comprehensive legislative measure aimed at modernizing the tourism industry, enhancing governance, and promoting inclusivity.
The move is part of broader efforts to ensure a transparent, well-regulated, and sustainable tourism sector.
During the Tuesday post-Cabinet briefing, Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr. Jenfan Muswere announced the approval of the Bill.
He explained that the amendments to the Tourism Act are designed to align the sector with constitutional principles of Public Administration and Leadership, as well as the Public Entities and Corporate Governance Act.
“The Bill emphasizes gender equality, broader representation, and universal access, reflecting our commitment to ensuring all Zimbabweans can benefit from tourism opportunities,” Minister Muswere stated.
A notable aspect of the legislation is the strengthening of the Zimbabwe Tourism Fund’s oversight through the creation of a new Tourism Council. This body will oversee the disbursement of funds and ensure proper management to support sector growth.
To improve regulation, the Bill introduces mandatory registration and publication requirements for all tourism facilities and online booking platforms. It also includes provisions for shutting down unregistered operators, thereby safeguarding consumers and maintaining industry standards.
Additionally, the legislation proposes civil penalties to enforce compliance with financial and operational obligations.
It also mandates tourism operators to submit relevant data and statistics to the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, supporting strategic planning and marketing efforts.
Minister Muswere highlighted that these reforms aim to develop a sector that is transparent, inclusive, and aligned with national development goals. The approved Bill represents a significant step toward creating a resilient tourism industry capable of attracting investment, boosting economic growth, and ensuring local benefits.
This legislative move underscores the government’s commitment to building a sustainable and equitable tourism sector for Zimbabwe’s future.