Story by Stanley James, Business Editor
ZIMBABWE’S tourism industry has commended government for reducing levies, taxes and permits up to 50 percent, in a move that is expected to restore competitiveness.
Last week, government announced interventions to restore viability of the industry, slashing licensing fees, taxes and permits with some of them entirely removed.
Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe acting president, Mrs Emma Kativhu described the interventions as key in consolidating gains.
“This is a positive development and the tourism industry applauds the government on this strategic move which should help the industry regain some of its competitive leverage, needless to say, the numerous levies, licences and permits were a huge albatross on the tourism sector with the net effect of making Destination Zimbabwe uncompetitive, amongst its regional peers,” she said.
Tourism advisor, Mr Farai Chimba, is convinced the measures are key to overall profitability of the sector.
“The tourism sector now awaits the full implementation, through necessary legislative frameworks by the government in the shortest possible time to allow for the benefits of these pronouncements to bear fruit at operator level. In the meantime, the tourism industry is appealing to the government to put lasting measures and solutions that will facilitate the industry to contribute meaningfully to the Gross Domestic Product beyond the current 12 percent with annual foreign currency receipts of US$1.2 billion and create more employment,” he said.
Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe Chief Executive Officer, Mr Paul Matamisa spoke on the importance of upgrading infrastructure to attract more domestic and global customers, “Key tourism enablers require the government’s urgent attention, but not limited to road infrastructure in tourist heavy routes, to facilitate seamless destination connectivity across the country and attract more inbound tourists. TBCZ further appeals to the government to invest more in airports, notably in the Eastern Highlands, Masvingo and revive the same in Kariba.”
The tourism industry has also pledged to work with government on the drafting of the Tourism Policy (2026-2030).
