adminSithandazile Moyo Business Reporter
THE Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) has cautioned hotel and lodge operators to refrain from overcharging customers ahead of the hosting of the country’s premier exhibition event – the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair.
A snap survey by Business Chronicle yesterday showed that Cresta Churchill, Holiday Inn, Bulawayo Rainbow and Khumalo hotels were fully booked. In an interview, Matabeleland South HAZ chairperson Brian Nyakutombwa said during peak periods some operators had a tendency of hiking their rates to cash in during events such as ZITF.
“During peak periods and towards such events as the ZITF, most operators hike their rates taking advantage of the increased demand for accommodation. As an association we are encouraging them to refrain from overcharging customers,” he said.
Nyakutombwa said charging competitive prices promoted good business in the region.
“Over charging customers will not bring in more business, instead more people will begin to shun those operators who take advantage of the situation to overcharge customers,” he said.
Nyakutombwa said events such as the ZITF were good for business as most hotels and lodges were fully booked during this period.
“Average occupancy for most hotels and lodges when there are no events is 55 percent and that is the reason why most operators have prepared for the event because it means brisk business for them,” he said.
He said there had been significant improvement in the hospitality sector following the successful hosting of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly.
The hospitality industry, Nyakutombwa said, was reaping benefits from the event and it has helped to market Zimbabwe as a good tourist destination.
This year’s 55th edition of the ZITF is set for April 22 to 26 under the theme “New Ideas, New Heights.”
Online Reporter