Avoid overpricing during ZITF period, tourism and hospitality players told

BULAWAYO tourism and hospitality players have been called on to avoid overpricing their charges for bookings ahead of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) 2026 to attract more clients.

The annual trade showcase is set to run from 20 to 25 April 2026 at the Zimbabwe Conference and Exhibition Smart City (ZICES) in Bulawayo under the theme; “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries.”

ZITF is one the largest and most important annual multi-sectoral trade exhibitions in sub-Saharan Africa, consistently drawing large and diverse crowds to the city.

**Ms Samantha Banda (left) and Ms Kim Bikwa at the recent Compliance Workshop for Short-Term Rental Hosts in Bulawayo. Picture credit: StudioKingCross**

Accommodation ahead of the premier trade showcase tends to get fully booked at major hotels and lodges days after the dates are announced, which has resulted in the rise of several AirBed and Breakfast (AirBnB) and private rooms.
Speaking during a recent Compliance Workshop for Short-Term Rental Hosts in Bulawayo, Crown Events owner, Ms Samantha

Banda who is also an AirBnB host and property manager, called on prospective BnB hosts and property managers to have accommodative pricing charges during ZITF period.

“When you have got a listing, for example if you have got a three bedrooms listing for US$100 a night, if someone is approaching you and they say they want you to take it for two weeks, be flexible enough to give discounts.

“Be flexible enough to adjust also accordingly in terms of is it peak season like ZITF but also, do not overprice and then you price yourself out of the industry altogether. So, check in with other BnB people and try to create a community where you are honest,” she said.

She called on short-term rental hosts that would want to rent out their houses, cottages or rooms during ZITF period to ensure they are formalised and have fulfilled tax, municipal and insurance requirements for running a professional short-term rental business.

Ms Banda said the checklist should be company registration, tax compliance, insurance protection, municipal licenses and Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) license in order to be BnB ready.

She added: “For your guest experience and safety guide, ensure you have a deep cleaning schedule, linen replacement, reliable amenities (backup water, power and WiFi), local tourism guide and clear house rules. You also need to provide emergency contacts and instructions, first aid kit, guest verification procedures and documented booking records.”

Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Business and Cooperatives Development Officer, Ms Kim Bikwa called on MSMEs that would want to be short-term rental hosts to be formalised.

“There is a rising demand for flexible accommodation options in urban centre, such as Bulawayo during the ZITF period. It is also an opportunity for us as MSMEs, especially women and youth, to be part of those entrepreneurs who can have BnBs.

“Looking at the national policy as well, we can see that this is anchored in the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which says the vision is transition to a middle-income economy by 2030, emphasis being on MSMEs formalisation, which in this case means formalising their BnBs and also private sector-led growth,” she said.

She said MSMEs could be part of the tourism industry value chain, while the relevance of being in the BnB sector meant MSMEs positively contribute to tourism, a key economic driver, as an engine for also employment creation, income generation and poverty reduction.

Ms Bikwa said it was critical to strengthen and increase awareness of regulatory frameworks for BnB owners or prospective owners which will aid their greater contribution towards the tourism economy.