Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
HOTELS and lodges in Mutare are already fully booked for the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, scheduled to take place from September 10 to 12, leaving many visitors scrambling for alternative accommodation.
The Director of Economic Affairs and Investment Promotion for Manicaland, Mr Munyaradzi Rubaya, revealed the situation during the Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy 2 stakeholder consultative meeting held in the city this morning.
“Currently, we are facing an accommodation shortage. All hotels and lodges are fully booked, yet tourists are still seeking accommodation. Locals with suitable homes should consider converting them into bed-and-breakfast establishments for the duration. You can rent out rooms to friends or family and earn a substantial income,” he said.
Mr Rubaya noted that accommodation prices have skyrocketed, with the cheapest options costing around US$100 per night.
“If you have three bedrooms renting for US$100 per night for five days – as most visitors will be staying from the 9th to the 13th – that’s a significant amount of money,” he said, urging locals to seize the opportunity.
The Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo is Zimbabwe’s premier international tourism showcase, attracting global buyers, exhibitors, and media.
Traditionally hosted in Bulawayo, this year’s event will be held in Mutare for the first time, providing a major boost to Manicaland’s tourism sector.
“We have been chosen as the first province to host this tourism expo outside of Bulawayo, and we must set a good example for other provinces,” he said.
Mr Rubaya said the province will experience an influx of tourists during the event and called on the business community to prepare to capitalise on the increased demand for goods and services.
“This is our chance to directly benefit from tourism. Let us take advantage of it,” he said.
