All unregistered tourism facilities and related businesses have been given an ultimatum to register by February 28, with nationwide inspections and compliance blitz commencing from March 1, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has said in a statement.
According to the ZTA the registration requirement covers a wide range of operators, including accommodation providers, Airbnb hosts, restaurants, fast-food outlets, vehicle-hire businesses, visitor attractions (such as game parks and art galleries) and providers of visitor activities.
The authority urged operators to comply with the law, noting that the government has already reduced licence and registration fees across categories to improve the ease of doing business and to foster a competitive, compliant and sustainable tourism sector.
Some operators remain reluctant to register.
In a statement, the ZTA said that beginning March 1, they will take action against non‑compliant operators in conjunction with law enforcement agents.
In terms of Section 36 of the Tourism Act (Chapter 14:20), the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) hereby notifies all tourism‑related businesses (designated tourist facilities) that registration with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority is mandatory and a statutory requirement.
“Failure to register will result in the closure of unregistered facilities.
“To enforce compliance, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, in collaboration with law-enforcement agencies, will conduct nationwide inspections across all ten provinces to verify registration status, ensure adherence to regulatory standards and take enforcement action against all non‑compliant operators.
“The public is strongly discouraged from utilising unregistered tourism facilities and is encouraged to report any facility operating without a valid registration to the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority.
“The deadline for registration is February 28 2026.”
In November 2025, the government implemented a major reduction in tourism and hotel licensing fees for 2025–2026, cutting costs by up to 50 per cent or more.
Hotel registration fees were slashed in some cases from as high as US$250,000 to a maximum of US$20,000.
The reform, aimed at promoting investment and reducing operating costs, saw the ZTA streamline fees based on rating and type.
Key changes to hotel and tourism licensing fees include, Hotel registration: capped at a maximum of US$20,000, One‑star hotel licence: US$200 annually, Two‑star hotel licence US$400 annually, Three‑star hotel licence US$600 annually, Four‑star hotel licence US$1,000, Five‑star hotel licence US$2,000 annually, Guest houses/lodges (1–3 star) US$200, Guest houses/lodges (4 stars and above) US$300, Farmhouses/standard grade US$150, Safari camps and self‑catering accommodation US$200, Airbnb: US$200, Boats/houseboats US$300, Homestay/adhoc: US$20, External tour operators (all types): US$1,500, Aircraft US$20, Conference operator/venue US$250, Events planners US$200, Travel agencies: US$150, Motor coaches US$20, Non‑consumptive photographic activity US$20, Recreational facilities US$200, Motorcycles/scooters/bicycles: US$20, Restaurants US$150, Fast‑food outlets US$100, Takeaway registration US$100, Coffee shops US$100.
The reforms also aim to simplify the regulatory process by positioning the ZTA as the primary regulator, reducing duplicate, costly and bureaucratic local authority fees and permits (for example, for boats).
The measures are intended to boost sector competitiveness and encourage formalisation of the tourism industry.
