MUTARE – Tourism players in Zimbabwe have been urged to utilise incentives provided by the government that are designed to boost tourism industry.
In his keynote address at the Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe 2019 congress held in Mutare on Thursday, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Munesu Munodawafa said the government has introduced incentives, which tourism industry players must fully utilise.
“Government has introduced incentives such as the extension of duty free rebate for capital goods that are designed to boost tourism,” he said.
“Government is fully aware of the impact of a number of challenges which affect the hospitality sector such as power outages, fuel shortages, foreign currency shortages and limited disposable income for local people to take holidays,” Munodawafa said.
“However, consistent with the recognition of tourism which is a key pillar, government has introduced a number of incentives designed to boost local tourism industry,” he explained.
“Tourism players must the utilise incentives such as the extension of the duty free rebate for capital goods and also car hire services and vehicles for safari operators,” he said.
Munodawafa said the government has facilitated the importation of goods and vehicles worth $25 million through the rebate system. These include 13 luxury buses and 24 safari vehicles.
He said 57 applicants have accessed various capital goods for refurbishment in the hospitality sector.
Munodawafa said the free rebates have assisted major hotels such as Rainbow group, Cretsa Hospitality and African Sun as they have embarked on various refurbishment exercise.