Harare to host customer service indaba

Centre Association of Zimbabwe in partnership with Ministry of Tourism, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and Consumer Council of Zimbabwe, is expected to be a hallmark in the service sector as it is going to address the customer service challenges in Zimbabwe and forge a way forward in improving service delivery.

In a statement, CCAZ said poor customer service has become a hot topic following an outcry from various stakeholders on the decline in service delivery in the country.

Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Walter Muzembi is expected to officiate at this year’s conference while other key speakers will include African Sun chief executive Dr Shingi Munyeza, customer service guru Professor Mornay Roberts among other local and regional customer service experts.

The speakers are expected to discuss ways to improve service delivery in all sectors.

“The conference aims to bring together local and regional corporate leaders and experts from businesses and Government organisations to discuss the latest issues, global best practices and trends related to the field of customer care and service delivery,” CCAZ said.

The association said the event was also aimed at redefining the country’s customer service strategies and solutions, highlighting the impact of changing consumer preferences on customer care strategy of organisations.

This year’s Annual Customer Service Conference comes just before the UNWTO General Assembly that is being jointly hosted by Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Customer service is key to the tourism industry as tourists will interact with the service sector during their stay. They will need financial, hospitality, telecommunications, transport and other services and the key to winning their hearts and influencing their return visits is through an excellent service encounter,” added CCAZ.

According to the McKinsey Global Institute’s report on Africa, the services industry is fast emerging as the future of global business and will account for at least half of the continent’s Gross Domestic Product.

More so inward investment and growth in the tourist industry, critical for Zimbabwe’s economic development, are dependent on delivering world-class customer service.