Zimbabwe to amend Tourism Act
The government of Zimbabwe has approved the principles for the amendment of the Tourism Act, in a bid to align it with the country’s constitution. Zimbabwe adopted a new constitution in 2013 and is in the process of trying to align it with subsidiary laws.
The Tourism Act has been identified as one of the subsidiary laws that need alignment with the supreme law. According to the government, Zimbabweans are not able to fully enjoy the country’s tourism resources due to the mismatch in the laws, hence the amendment.
Addressing the media following a Cabinet meeting, Information 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.
Tourism has been identified as one of the key pillars of economic revival by the second republic, together with agriculture and mining. Economic commentators have also indicated that it is one of the low hanging fruits for the country, with the potential to produce quick wins if it is effectively supported.
However, the sector has been let down by Covid-19 which saw countries especially the top source markets imposing travel restrictions to the regions n a bid to curb the spread of the virus. In the absence of international tourists, Zimbabwe through the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has been on a domestic tourism drive under the banner of #Zimbho.
The campaign has however failed to generate much excitement among locals due to the pricing structures of the tourism facilities in the country. Zimbabwe is home to Victoria Falls which is one of the seven wonders. The Victoria Falls is bigger than Niagara Falls. There is also majestic Great Zimbabwe in Masvingo Province.
