by Derick Tsimba

In the wake of an upward trend of new COVID-19 infections in the country, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) is going to rigorously monitor compliance with the COVID-19 regulations in the Tourism Sector, the Harare Post can report.

During a press statement in Harare today on the tourism industry player’s adherence and compliance with the COVID-19 guidelines and protocols, ZTA Head of Corporate Affairs, Godfrey Koti said ZTA and Government were going to enforce COVID-19 regulations throughout the lockdown period.

“It has, however, come to the attention of ZTA with great concern that some operators are not following COVID-19 guidelines and protocols. Operators are advised that ZTA in conjunction with relevant arms of Government will be rigorously monitoring and enforcing compliance. The exercise will be on-going throughout the lockdown period to ensure full compliance and will cover the whole country,” said Koti.

Koti also said there was need for all tourism players to strictly observe COVID-19 guidelines and protocols meant to protect the sector’s valued human capital and consumers of tourism services.

“As the sector gradually and partially reopens, ZTA would like to stress the need for all players in the tourism industry to strictly observe and adhere to the set COVID-19 guidelines and protocols. These guidelines are meant to protect both the sector’s most valued human capital and consumers of tourism services from COVID-19 risk exposure,” he said.

The Harare Post has learnt that all operators have been called on to ensure that all designated tourism facilities, staff and consumers alike among other measures, undertake temperature checks, maintain social distancing, sanitize as appropriate, wash their hands, wear face masks appropriately, maintain high hygienic standards and adhere to the approved operating hours. Violation of the guidelines will not only frustrate, but also undermine the efforts being made to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.