Zimbabwe has set a 28 February 2026 deadline for tourism operators to regularise their businesses under the country’s Tourism Act, marking a regulatory shift that affects both service providers and international visitors. The directive, issued by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, forms part of a broader effort to strengthen standards across the sector.
All tourism facilities, including luxury hotels and safari lodges, are required to complete registration with the authority before the deadline. Operators that fail to comply will face inspections beginning 1 March 2026, with enforcement measures applied nationwide across all ten provinces. The authority has stated that unlicensed operations will no longer be tolerated, and inspections will be conducted in collaboration with law enforcement agencies to identify and close unregistered establishments.
The regulatory drive is positioned as a measure to improve service quality, safety and professionalism while protecting the country’s tourism reputation. By formalising operations, the authority aims to establish uniform standards and remove unregistered facilities from the market. The process is also expected to provide the government with clearer data on sector capacity and resources, supporting planning and allocation decisions linked to future tourism development. In addition, bringing more businesses into the formal framework will expand the tax base, contributing to funding for marketing and development initiatives.
For international travellers, the changes underscore the need to book through registered providers. Tour operators and travel professionals arranging itineraries in Zimbabwe are expected to verify that local partners comply with the new requirements. Visitors to destinations such as Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park and Lake Kariba may encounter a more tightly regulated operating environment, as inspections seek to ensure adherence to safety and hospitality standards. The authority has reduced licence and registration fees and established support channels to facilitate compliance, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises that play a significant role in the sector.
