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Roberta Katunga Senior Business Reporter
THE resort town of Victoria Falls is a world-class destination that attracts thousands of visitors yearly and generates millions of dollars in revenue. However, despite its popularity, a major challenge looms for the country’s most popular tourist resort.More than 20 000 people thronged the town for the 21st February Movement celebrations to mark President Mugabe’s 91st birthday on 28 February and all businesses benefited immensely from the event.
From taxi drivers to airtime vendors, food outlets, hotels and lodges, tour operators to curio vendors, it was a much-needed relief in an otherwise low season period.
However, despite shining the spotlight on the resort town, this event also magnified a gap in the market. This gap was worsened by reports of accommodation shortages and residents cashing in on this development and letting their homes out to the visitors.
Considering that this is not Victoria Falls’ first big event or the last, a need for investment in accommodation has arisen and hence exploring the concept of Bed and Breakfast known simply as B&Bs in other countries.
B&Bs are houses turned into guest accommodation that offer bed and breakfast and in some areas only for a temporary period when there is a high demand for accommodation especially during an event.
For example in South Africa, a lot of B&Bs sprouted during the 2010 World Cup.
In an interview, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority spokesman Mr Sugar Chagonda said this concept could work in the resort town as it was not a foreign idea but something that has been done elsewhere although there was a need to have the facilities registered and ensure they meet the minimum standards inclusive of safety and health.
“This is the same concept in Bulawayo especially during the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) where people let out their houses and accommodate the visitors for the duration of the event. It is quite possible to explore the same concept in Victoria Falls,” said Mr Chagonda.
He, however, said it was important for those who want to be in this type of business to be registered so that the places are pre-inspected to maintain the required standards.
Mr Chagonda said such places had to be centrally controlled.
“As we advance MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions), there is a need to improve on accommodation numbers and provide above board service to our visitors,” he said.
However questions still arise, tourism is of a seasonal nature, so can such a business venture be the best move?
Mr Chagonda in response said: “People do not have to move out of their homes or make this a permanent business to base on but can be done to pave way for an event or certain period”.
However, others feel differently.
Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) Victoria Falls chapter chairperson Mr Trythings Mutyandasvika said there were already a number of B&Bs in the town but felt that it might be difficult to expand facilities basing on demand that only arises once or twice a year.
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