Zimbabwe Disability Inclusion and Accessibility in the 2026 Tourism Bill

The 2026 Tourism Bill marks a significant legislative step toward mainstreaming disability inclusion within Zimbabwe's tourism sector. Primarily addressed through Clause 50, the Bill mandates that disability inclusion be integrated into the industry, aligning with constitutional provisions that guarantee the socio-economic participation of vulnerable groups. Specifically, Clause 50(3) stipulates that all designated tourist facilities must be "accessible."

Regarding governance, while Clause 6 of the Bill—which details the composition of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) Board—does not explicitly mandate the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs), the Minister of Tourism has clarified that these appointments are guided by the Corporate Governance Unit (CGU). The CGU framework already requires the representation of persons with disabilities on government boards, a standard the current ZTA board already meets.

Despite these foundations, recent public consultations and reviews by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee have highlighted several gaps, leading to recommendations for the following amendments:

- Vague Standards and Enforcement: Critics note that while the Bill requires accessibility, it currently lacks specific defined standards or a designated authority responsible for auditing and enforcing these requirements.

- The Need for Universal Design: Advocates emphasize that inclusion must evolve beyond physical ramps to embrace "universal design." This includes accommodating both visible and invisible disabilities through features like braille, audio menus, and considerations for non-visible impairments such as photosensitivity.

- Linking Accessibility to Grading: Stakeholders have proposed that the formal registration and grading of tourist facilities (under Clauses 23–26) should be strictly contingent upon compliance with gazetted accessibility standards that align with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

- Economic Empowerment and Quotas: There are strong calls to amend Clause 36 to explicitly recognize PWDs as eligible tourism operators, ensuring non-discrimination in market access. Furthermore, recommendations have been made to establish dedicated quotas to ensure local PWDs benefit directly from tourism proceeds and secure employment opportunities, such as roles as tour guides.

Thomas Madondoro