adminThey said the club, which is situated in the heart of the historic city and was built in 1935, was a tourist attraction because it was constructed during the colonial era and contained museum portraits.
“The architectural part of the Bulawayo Club is quite incredible and it bears the historical content of Zimbabwe.
“The club has the potential to attract more tourists and can be used as a marketing tool for the country’s tourism industry.
“I have travelled around the world and in other parts of Zimbabwe but I have never seen a place like this. If it was in the United Kingdom, people would obviously pay more to be at a place like this club,” said Mr Peter Tabitt, from the United Kingdom, adding that this was his second time to be at the club.
Mr Tabitt was at the club for the first time in October last year.
“I have enjoyed my stay here and hope to come again on holiday with my wife.
“My first time here, there were a number of tourists from Harare and the United Kingdom.”
He said the club was extraordinary and one of the most imposing buildings in the city.
An official at the club who asked not be named said of late the club has been hosting a number of foreign nationals from different parts of the world.
However, the official would not be drawn into ascertaining the number of tourists that were visiting the facility.
An official of the Zimbabwe International Travel and Tours Mr Steve Zhao said the club was good for the tourism industry and had the potential to attract tourists from different parts of the world.
“The club is good for the tourism industry and because within the building there are historical pictures that can attract more tourists.
“The club has a hospitable environment and the staff is friendly and welcome. I am also in the process of organising accommodation for a group of 10 Chinese who will be camping at the club in the next few days,” said Mr Zhao.
A Russian tourist, Ms Aglaya Lagshmivar, said it was her first time to be at the club, which she said has the potential to market Zimbabwe’s tourism industry.
“Most of the rooms and lounges here have historical portraits dating back to the period before 1900. Such pictures include the colonial art works which reflect the history of Zimbabwe and that of the United Kingdom.
“The place is also strange and unique because it contains much of the original furniture and fittings as well as oregon pine floors,” she said.
Contacted for comment, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) regional manager for the southern region, Mrs Novuyo Mathonsi, said: “We concur with what the tourists are saying because if you go in there, there are so many lounges which have pictorial history of that place and the region. Bulawayo is a historical city as you might be aware and some of the city’s historical pictures are found at the club.”
Bulawayo Club has been commercialised as a boutique hotel. Mrs Mathonsi said ZTA had given the establishment a comfort star rating confirming the services being offered by the facility. The comfort star rating given to Bulawayo Club is equivalent to that of a three-star hotel.
Online Reporter