Operators of Airbnb properties and all other unregistered tourism businesses have been given until 28 February to register with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) or face penalties.
From 1 March, nationwide inspections and a compliance drive will begin.
The requirement applies to a broad range of operators, including accommodation providers, Airbnb hosts, restaurants, fast-food outlets, car-hire firms, visitor attractions such as game parks and art galleries, as well as businesses offering tourist activities.
The ZTA has urged operators to comply with the law, pointing out that the Government has already reduced licence and registration fees across various categories to make it easier to do business and to promote a competitive, compliant and sustainable tourism sector.
Despite these fee reductions, some operators have yet to register. In a statement, the ZTA said it will work with law enforcement agencies to take action against those who fail to comply. ZTA said:
“In terms of Section 36 of the Tourism Act (Chapter 14:20), the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) hereby notifies all tourism-related businesses (designated tourist facilities) that registration with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority is mandatory and a statutory requirement.
“Failure to register will result in the closure of unregistered facilities.
“To enforce compliance, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, in collaboration with law-enforcement agencies, will conduct nationwide inspections across all ten provinces to verify registration status, ensure adherence to regulatory standards and take enforcement action against all non-compliant operators.
“The public is strongly discouraged from utilising unregistered tourism facilities and is encouraged to report any facility operating without a valid registration to the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority.
“The deadline for registration is February 28 2026.”
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