Africa-Press – Angola. The Angolan government’s decision to introduce zero licensing for tourism activities is one of the main reforms in the tourism sector, stated Minister Marcio Daniel on Tuesday.
Speaking to the press at the end of the 12th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers, which was chaired by President João Lourenço, the minister mentioned that other measures include the implementation of a tourism tax for international visitors and the launch of new strategies for event and cruise tourism.
Daniel explained that the approved decrees aim to reduce bureaucracy, improve the business environment, and make the sector more competitive and attractive to private investment.
Notable measures include changes to the legal regimes for installing, operating, and running tourism enterprises; the regulations for issuing and using operating licenses for restaurants and similar establishments; and the licensing regime and practice of travel and tourism agencies.
According to the minister, these changes materialize the Simplifica Turismo program in its 3.0 version, which is dedicated exclusively to the sector and introduces the concept of zero licensing. This concept allows businesses to start operating with a prior declaration and a commitment of honor from the operator. Subsequently, the public administration carries out inspections.
Another relevant innovation is the unlimited validity of licenses, eliminating the need for periodic renewals.
The minister explained that oversight will be ensured through regular inspections to maintain the relationship between the public administration and tourism operators.
“The package also provides for the decentralization of powers and assigns local administrative bodies responsibility for licensing small-scale ventures,” said the minister.
Daniel said that at least three other presidential decrees were approved, establishing a single licensing fee for tourism ventures, restaurants, and similar establishments, as well as travel and tourism agencies. The goal is to consolidate the costs of inspections and issuance of licenses and certificates into a single act.
The minister added that the government approved the Strategy for the Development of Event Tourism, which includes the creation of a “convention bureau” under the Ministry of Tourism. This bureau will be responsible for attracting fairs, congresses, and major international events.
According to Daniel, the reforms announced Thursday represent a strategic commitment to modernizing the sector and diversifying the national economy.
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