Tourism operators get ultimatum to register
ZIMBABWE Tourism Authority (ZTA) has given tourist operators up to April 1 to register their facilities in compliance with the provisions of the Tourism Act.
In terms of the Tourism Act of 1996 Chapter 14:20, all Designated Tourist Facilities (DTFs) should be registered with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority.
Other DTF operators are encouraged to ensure that any agents they utilise in promoting their facilities are duly registered.
In the past, the tourism authority has raised concern over the mushrooming of entities that are running unregistered tourism operations such as car hire, provision of accommodation, restaurants, travel agencies and tour operations.
To restore order, it periodically conducts blitz on unregistered tourism operators.
Tourism is one of the key economic pillars and the sector is expected to contribute more towards economic growth in line with the upper middle-income economy vision by 2030.
In an update, ZTA said under Statutory Instrument Number 106 of 1996, facilities that must be registered include conference facilities, restaurants whether in hotels or otherwise, vehicles, bicycles, bus and boat hire, curio shops, tour operators, hunting operators, tour guides, non-hotel conference facilities and venues.
The requirements for the renewal of licenses and certificates include CR 14/6, council or municipality licenses, lease or permits, bank statement, public liability insurance policy with a minimum of US$50 000 and expired ZTA licenses.
Requirements for new registration in all categories include bank statement, public liability insurance policy minimum cover US$50 000, brochure or promotional material, copy of certificate of incorporation, CR 14, certified copy of balance sheet, value of investment, copy of identity cards for directors, passport size photos of directors and details of provision for disposable where applicable.
ZTA said there are additional requirements for hunting operators, accommodation and restaurants, car hire and tour operators, visitors’ attractors, visitor activity, external tour operators, and travel agents.
“The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority is calling all operators of tourist facilities who have not registered or those with expired licenses and certificates, to come forward and register their facilities in compliance with the provisions of Section 36 of the Tourism Act (Chapter 14:20) of 1996 by 1 April 2024,” reads the statement by ZTA.
“All facilities that register or renew their licenses and certificates on or before 1 April 2024, will have no penalties charged.
“From 1 April 2024, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority will bring all unregistered facilities to book.”
The authority urges members of the public not to patronise or use services of unregistered tourist facilities as this may compromise their safety and security.
The public is further urged to report any suspected unregistered tourism operations to the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and when in doubt to check with the ZTA if an operator is registered before utilising their services. – chronicle
