Zimbabwe Unveils Major Tourism Reforms To Streamline Regulations And Enhance Investment Opportunities

Published on September 5, 2025

Zimbabwe has approved major changes to the tourism licensing policy and fees for simplifying the regulations, the lowering of operational costs and making it easy to do business in the country’s tourism and hospitality sector. With these reforms Zimbabwe is intended to make the top destinations, including Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, and the Great Zimbabwe Ruins more appealing and competitive to investors, operators, and tourists. In fact, the changes are designed to meet the increasing demand for simpler, cheaper, transparent, and easier processes which in return will benefit the economic development of the country. Moreover, this will enhance the position of Zimbabwe as the most attractive tourist destination in Africa.

Key Reforms to Licensing and Fee Structures

The major changes introduced by Zimbabwe’s Cabinet include the removal of redundant or duplicated licenses, as well as reductions in several key fees. According to the reforms, tourism operators will see a 25-50 percent reduction in many of the fees associated with doing business in Zimbabwe. This includes levies for operating permits, which are expected to be either streamlined or completely scrapped, making it easier for small and medium-sized businesses to enter the market.

These adjustments are expected to reduce the overall operational costs for businesses, making Zimbabwe more attractive to investors looking to enter the tourism sector. The changes come after consultations with a wide range of stakeholders, including accommodation providers, tour operators, and businesses in related sectors such as boating and catering.

Reforms to Strengthen Key Destinations

Zimbabwe is home to several world-renowned destinations that attract millions of tourists every year, including Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, and the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. These key areas stand to benefit most from the new licensing reforms, which will improve access to these iconic sites and increase the ease of doing business in these regions.

Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, will likely see increased tourism as the government works to reduce barriers for operators offering tours, accommodation, and experiences in this area. Similarly, Hwange National Park, famous for its diverse wildlife, including the Big Five, will see improved access for safari operators and eco-tourism businesses.

The Great Zimbabwe Ruins, another UNESCO World Heritage site, is expected to benefit from the reforms as it becomes easier for businesses to operate in the area and offer tours to the rich cultural heritage site. These changes will allow Zimbabwe to position itself as a prime destination for travellers seeking nature-based and cultural experiences in Southern Africa.

Economic Benefits for Zimbabwe’s Tourism Industry

The overhaul of the licensing system is a clear strategy to attract more international investment in Zimbabwe’s tourism sector. By lowering the cost of doing business and making the regulatory framework more straightforward, the government aims to stimulate growth across the entire tourism value chain, from accommodation and transport to hospitality and adventure tourism.

In addition to making it easier for domestic and international investors to enter the market, the changes are expected to create new opportunities for tourism-related businesses, expand the variety of services on offer, and encourage more innovative solutions to enhance the travel experience. With simpler regulations, local businesses will be better able to compete with regional players and attract more customers.

Encouraging Investment and Expanding the Market Base

One of the key goals of the reforms is to increase competition within the sector. By making it more affordable and less bureaucratically burdensome for operators to run their businesses, Zimbabwe hopes to attract more players in the market, thereby expanding the tourism offering. This includes encouraging both local entrepreneurs and foreign investors to invest in areas that have not yet fully realised their tourism potential.

With these regulatory changes, Zimbabwe is positioning itself as a more attractive destination for investors, offering greater opportunities for expanding its infrastructure, improving services, and increasing its global share of the tourism market. Tourism is a key pillar of the Zimbabwean economy, and these reforms are expected to drive job creation and improve the livelihoods of those working within the industry.

Tourism Industry Leaders Welcome the Reforms

Industry stakeholders, including the Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe (TBCZ), have welcomed the proposed reforms. TBCZ President Clive Chinwada and prominent business leader Clement Mukwasi from Shearwater have both praised the government’s efforts to address the inefficiencies of the current system. They see the licensing simplifications as a positive step forward for the industry and believe that the changes will help unlock new investment, increase market competitiveness, and expand Zimbabwe’s tourism offerings.

While the immediate effects of these reforms may not translate into lower consumer prices, industry leaders are confident that the long-term results will be a more vibrant and accessible tourism market. With greater ease of doing business, Zimbabwe can attract more tourists and become a stronger player in the global travel industry.

Boosting Zimbabwe’s Tourism Potential for the Future

Changing Zimbabwe’s tourism licensing procedures and fee structures is an important step toward a more efficient and competitive tourism industry. The development of new services for travellers with the construction of new attractions is the result of businesses flourishing from the government’s continued investment into enhancing the tourism industry regulatory framework.

Increased tourism growth is expected in a favorable conditions for investment and new tourism businesses are created. In fact, travellers within the country or abroad will definately appreciate the improved travel experience as the country works on its infrastructure. For now, the government is highly optimistic about the tourism sector development and predicts growth by streamlining business operations.