Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Closes Down Over 25 Unlicensed Restaurants, Lodges in Nationwide Blitz
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has shut down more than 25 tourism-related establishments across the country as part of a sweeping compliance operation aimed at restoring order in the sector.
The enforcement action, carried out on Tuesday, targeted businesses operating without proper licences and registration. Affected establishments include hotels, lodges, restaurants, fast-food outlets, travel agencies and short-term rental operators such as Airbnb hosts.
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Government Push to Formalise the Sector
The clampdown forms part of a broader government initiative to regularise tourism operations and ensure all players meet statutory requirements. Authorities say every tourism enterprise must be licensed and registered to operate legally in Zimbabwe.
According to ZimLive, ZTA chief executive George Manyaya said the exercise reflects the authority’s determination to create a secure and well-regulated environment for tourists and locals alike.
“In a bid to facilitate compliance, the government has reduced licence and registration fees, promoting the ease of doing business within the sector,” Manyaya said.
He noted that many operators have responded positively in recent weeks, with a rise in applications and licence payments. However, some businesses continued to operate outside the law, prompting closures.
Cities Most Affected
The Midlands city of Gweru recorded the highest number of closures, with nine facilities shut down. Marondera followed with five, while Mutare had four. Masvingo, Bulawayo and Harare each recorded three closures, and Chinhoyi had one.
Annual licensing fees have been pegged at US$150 for restaurants and US$100 for fast-food outlets, according to the authority.
List of Closed Establishments
Among the affected facilities in Mashonaland East were Delfa Takeaway, B24, Pagomo Lodges, 2019 Lodges and Zim Nhaka Restaurant.
In Bulawayo, Nyamalicous Restaurant and Rooftop Restaurant were closed, while Cape to Cairo in Masvingo was also shut down.
Midlands saw the closure of Ekhaya Lodge, Al Majid Lodge, Diamond Chicken Restaurant and Fredos Chicken.
In Harare, Mr Sadza Restaurant, Veruch Restaurant and Cottage Bites Restaurant were affected.
Mashonaland West recorded the closure of Shalom Lodge, while Mutare’s Mima Restaurant was also among those shut down.
Commitment to Industry Integrity
The ZTA says it remains open to working with industry stakeholders to ensure compliance and uphold standards across Zimbabwe’s tourism landscape.
Authorities have urged operators who are yet to regularise their operations to do so promptly to avoid further penalties.
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