UNREGISTERED tourism facilities in Manicaland face imminent closure if they fail to comply with a Government directive requiring all operators to register and operate legally by February 28, 2026.
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), working in collaboration with law‑enforcement agencies, has announced that it will conduct nationwide inspections across all the 10 provinces at the beginning of March 2026.
The exercise aims to verify registration status, ensure adherence to regulatory standards and take enforcement action against non‑compliant operators.
According to ZTA, the move is part of Government’s broader efforts to improve the ease-of-doing business and strengthen compliance within the tourism sector.
Authorities say formalising tourism operations will help create a competitive, transparent and sustainable industry that protects both investors and consumers.
In Manicaland, particularly in Mutare, the tourism sector has experienced notable growth in recent years.
The city, like Bulawayo and other major urban centres, have seen a surge in the number of tourism facilities, especially bed‑and‑breakfast establishments.
While this growth has increased accommodation options and stimulated local economic activity, concerns have emerged that some operators are conducting business without proper registration.
Unregistered facilities often compete directly with established hotels and inns, creating an uneven playing field.
Registered operators are required to meet specific standards and pay statutory fees, while those operating outside the legal framework avoid regulatory costs and oversight.
Authorities say this situation undermines fair competition and may expose guests to substandard services and safety risks.
In a recent statement, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority emphasised that registration is mandatory under Section 36 of the Tourism Act (Chapter 14:20), and reminded all tourism‑related businesses — referred to as designated tourist facilities — that registration with the ZTA is a statutory requirement.
“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,” reads the statement.
ZTA warned that failure to register will result in the closure of unregistered facilities, adding that inspection teams, working alongside law‑enforcement agencies, will carry out compliance checks to verify registration certificates and assess adherence to regulatory standards.
Operators found to be in violation will face enforcement action, which may include immediate closure.
The authority also appealed to members of the public to play their part in promoting compliance within the sector.
Travellers are strongly discouraged from using unregistered tourism facilities and are encouraged to report any business operating without valid registration to ZTA.
Officials say the reduction of licence and registration fees was introduced specifically to make compliance more affordable and accessible for small and medium‑sized operators. By lowering financial barriers, the Government aims to bring more businesses into the formal sector while maintaining service standards and consumer protection.
With the end February 2026 deadline fast approaching, it remains to be seen whether all operators in Manicaland and across the country will regularise their operations in time.
For now, the message from authorities is clear: registration is not optional, and enforcement measures will begin promptly on March 1, 2026.
The upcoming inspections mark a decisive step by the Government to restore order, accountability and professionalism in Zimbabwe’s tourism industry, ensuring that all players operate within the confines of the law.-herald
Unregistered tourism facilities face closure
