Zimra committed to revival of tourism sector
THE Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) Commissioner-General Ms Regina Chinamasa has reaffirmed tax collector’s commitment towards resuscitating and unleashing the full potential of the tourism industry in the country post Covid-19.
She made the remarks during a breakfast meeting with tour operators that was held on the sidelines of the Sanganai/Hlanganani tourism expo in Bulawayo last Friday.
“As part of supporting upcoming businesses and even those in the tourism sector, we are rolling out a number of initiatives to encourage voluntary compliance. One of the initiatives is the setting up of information kiosks where clients can go and get assistance on how they can comply using our e-services platforms. A pilot project was launched in Harare and we are in the process of setting up these information kiosks here in Bulawayo and across all our major inland stations. As the Authority, we also continue to scan the regional and international economies to identify some of the best practises that will make our tourism sector competitive,” said Ms Chinamasa.
The Zimra boss noted that the growth in the tourism sector played a key role in the revival of the nation’s economy.
“The growth of the tourism in Zimbabwe is in our best interest for we are aware of the broad impact the sector has across the economy. As a sector, I implore you to be alive to the number of incentives and exemptions pertaining to your industry that are issued by the Government from time to time as part of stimulating growth and attracting investors in the sector,” Ms Chinamasa said.
With the Government of Zimbabwe laying down Vision 2030, Ms Chinamasa emphasised on the need for the business community to be tax compliant in order for the nation to achieve this vision and effectively modernise and facilitate the recovery and growth of different sectors that include tourism.
“Our Government has laid out a clear vision of where we should be by 2030. The journey towards Vision 2030 is already underway and timely payment of taxes enables Government to modernize, innovate, build or introduce facilities and services befitting citizens of an upper middle-income state. We as Zimra are looking forward to be part of the generation that will fully enjoy the benefits of Vision 2030 and we are therefore effectively and efficiently collecting revenue that is due to the state.
“According to the World Bank, tax revenue collection as a share of GDP is between 15 to 20 percent in developing countries but over 30 percent in upper income countries. This confirms the role of taxes in modernizing and transforming national economies,” said Ms Chinamsa.
While reiterating the need for the tourism sector to comply with stipulated customs law, Ms Chinamasa said Zimra would ensure the smooth travel of tourists into the country.
“Another mandate that we are tasked as Zimra to do is to facilitate trade and travel. We always feel proud to facilitate the smooth entry and exit of your clients- that is the tourists.
“We value their visit for we are aware that they are potential brand ambassadors of our services at the port of entry and exit. To this end, we urge you to ensure your clients comply with all the relevant customs laws in order to avoid inconveniences,” she said.
Ms Chinamasa said building and fostering partnerships with clients in the tourism industry and important stakeholders is one thing they would not take for granted, since the achievement of their mandate is anchored on strong client and stakeholder engagement. — @nyeve14.