admin
The call comes amid a proliferation of lodges and hotels that are not known by the Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) or the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry.
In an interview in Masvingo, Amazing Village Lodge director Mr Sydney Chikaka appealed to the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry to ensure that operations of all lodges and hotels were regulated.
He said the regulation will ensure that operators followed best business practices, as well as assist the marketing of tourism to visitors who normally look for quality.
“As players in the hospitality industry, we feel if the responsible authorities make available a standard that would be followed by all lodges and hotel operators, it will go a long way in restoring dignity to the entire industry.
“Some of the lodges leave a lot to be desired given their outlook and quality of service.
“It is not fair when registered lodges or hotels lose business to unregistered operators who are not paying anything to HAZ or Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra),” said Mr Chikaka.
He said operators should strive to improve their infrastructure so that their premises remain attractive.
“With the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) summit coming to Zimbabwe next year, it is incumbent upon every tourism player to improve the outlook of his or her business premises.
“We should endeavour to beautify our lodges so that they can have an appeal to visitors.
“On behalf of other operators, I also appeal to the responsible authorities to choose particular hotels and lodges in the provinces that meet international standards so that they can be centres of attraction to the visitors who would come for the conference,” he said.
Zimbabwe and Zambia will in August next year co-host the UNWTO general assembly in Victoria Falls and Livingstone.
Online Reporter