TENDAI BHEBE IN BULAWAYO
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) commissioner general, Regina Chinamasa, has urged players in the tourism sector to voluntarily pay their taxes and contribute to the improvement of infrastructure within the tourism sites across the country.
Government heavily rely on taxes to fund its operations and infrastructure development such as roads ,largely due to lack of budgetary support from donors.
Addressing tourism players in Bulawayo on Friday, Chinamasa said: ” There is need to complement the tourism sector with equally world class services such as roads, security and health services within the tourism sites across the country.”
She added: “Such services are driven by government through largely the taxes and levies we all pay. Tax compliance by the tourism and hospitality sector is therefore key.
“We want the tourists to have a memorable drive to the different sites across the country, enjoying the scenic sights along the way.”
The tourism sector contributes about 7% toward the gross domestic product.
Chinamasa said the sector has potential to anchor economic recovery.
” The sector has vast potential to be among the anchor sectors of the country. Currently, tourism and hospitality is among the top three foreign currency generators in our country, “she said .
She added:” The country is home to a robust, diverse and rich culture that is admired by many. Your sector is ably managed as evidenced by the world class hotels, lodges, resort sites, camps among other sites that offer hospitality environment.
“With such a glamour record, the country is considered as one of the preferred destination by tourists.”
