Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa has announced that Cabinet approved principles for the amendment of the Tourism Act, in a move meant to broaden the tourism sector in Zimbabwe.
Tourism is one of the pillars for economic recovery for the Second Republic which came to power in November 2017.
The other two are agriculture and mining.
However, the sector has been affected by Covid-19 which resulted in countries barring their citizens from travelling outside.
Countries that instituted travel warnings include the country’s top source markets for tourism, at a time when tourism is anchored by foreign arrivals.
Addressing the media following a Cabinet meeting, Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the amendment will broaden the scope of tourism in the country.
‘’Cabinet considered and approved the principles to amend the Tourism Act 1996(Chapter 14:20) which was presented by the Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honourable Mangaliso Ndlovu.
‘’The nation is advised that the Tourism Amendment Bill will seek to align the Tourism Act to the constitution and remove any sections that conflict with the Public Entities and Corporate Governance Act.
‘’The Amendment Bill will further broaden the scope for tourism to include sustainable tourism and universal access to tourism for both locals and international visitors.
‘’The proposed provisions seek to ensure that Zimbabwean people benefit from local tourism resources,’’ she said.
According to economic watchers, tourism is one of the low hanging fruits for the country, with the potential to produce quick wins if it is effectively supported.
In a bid to remain relevant in the wake of COVID-19, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has been on a domestic tourism drive under the banner of #Zimbho.
The campaign is however failing to generate much excitement among locals due to the pricing structures of the tourism facilities in the country.
Zimbabwe is famed for having some of the amazing tourism features that include among others the Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Gonarezhou National Park and Great Zimbabwe Ruins among others.
In terms of size, Victoria Falls is said to be bigger than Niagara Falls.
Govt to amend Tourism Act
Govt to amend Tourism Act
