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THE Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Walter Mzembi was yesterday expected to launch the much awaited HIV and AIDS policy in the Tourism sector at this year’s edition of the Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe annual national conference held in Mutare. The conference, which is expected to draw more than 150 delegates, commenced on Wednesday and ends today.
In an interview, the outgoing Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe president, Mr Tamuka Macheka, said the conference was also expected to deliberate on issues affecting the tourism industry and devise on strategies to counter them in order to improve viability in the sector.
“The HIV and AIDS policy will go a long way in combating the virus and improve awareness in the tourism sector. “Minister Mzembi will articulate on how the policy would affect the tourism industry. The conference will also be a perfect moment for the Eastern Highlands region to market their products to fellow colleagues. Guests will have the chance to visit tourism sites and hotels in Mutare, Vumba and Nyanga,” said Mr Macheka.
New HAZ leadership would be elected into office at the Annual General Meeting within the congress. Mr Macheka said as part of the succession plan, one of the two HAZ vice presidents would be female. “The conference will also honour outstanding personalities who contributed positively to the development of the tourism industry.
“We will use the opportunity to deliberate where we are coming from and where we are going. Tourism remains a low hanging fruit for the country and we intend to devise ways to improve the sector by, for instance, engaging universities and technical colleges that practice tourism related programs. We intend to work in unison with them to tackle on issues affecting the tourism sector in an academic and technical way.
The conference is held under the theme: “In search of Hospitality Innovation”. “Our theme is a follow up to innovation strategies that we had during the Hospitality winter school in Kariba a few months ago,” he added. Tourism players who contributed positively to the development of the sector would be honoured at the awards ceremony at the three-day congress.
Last year’s event was held in Bulawayo.
Online Reporter