The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has shutdown at least 28 faculties across seven major cities in an ongoing blitz against unregistered tourism facilities operating within the sector

The crackdown forms part of the government’s broader push to regularise the tourism sector, with the ZTA targeting a wide range of businesses including hotels, lodges, Airbnb operators, travel agencies, and food outlets.

The enforcement actions saw nine facilities shut down in Gweru, five in Marondera, four in Mutare, and three each in Bulawayo, Masvingo, and Harare, with an additional facility closed in Chinhoyi.

The ZTA underscored that this decisive move is integral to the government's broader effort to regularize the tourism industry and ensure strict adherence to national regulations.

Non-compliance with these directives will result in the immediate closure of establishments, reflecting a firm stance against unauthorized operations.

The new regulations come as Zimbabwe’s tourism industry continues to grow strongly at home and abroad.

According to Equity Axis, local tourists accounted for 87% of hotel occupancy by early 2026, showing strong domestic demand.

In 2024, the country welcomed 1.6 million international visitors and earned US$1.2 billion in tourism revenue, highlighting the sector’s importance to the economy.

In a concerted effort to facilitate widespread compliance, the Zimbabwean government has also implemented measures to ease the burden on operators.

The ZTA announced a reduction in license and registration fees, designed to promote a more favorable business environment within the sector.

To further bolster compliance and encourage transparency, the ZTA is actively appealing to the public, inviting whistleblowers to report any unregistered facilities they encounter.

The ultimate vision articulated by the ZTA is to foster a cooperative landscape among all tourism operators.

This collaborative approach is expected to lead to a thriving Zimbabwean tourism sector that offers safe, legally registered, and high-quality facilities capable of meeting the diverse needs of tourists from around the globe, thereby ensuring the industry's sustainable growth and sterling reputation.