admin
Manicaland Bureau
Tourism players in Nyanga have recorded an increased number of visitors this festive season in a development that has been described as encouraging and a sign of growing confidence in services and products being offered in the eastern part of the country.
Major and small hotels in Nyanga recorded an increase in occupancy by both domestic and foreign tourists who visited various resorts surrounding the area. Chairman of the Nyanga Chapter of the Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe Mr Brian Nyakutombwa said this season had been one of their best in terms of arrivals and business. Mr Nyakutombwa is also the general manager for Montclair Hotel.
“We have seen a huge improvement in terms of occupancy for not only Montclair Hotel, but just about everyone in the tourism industry, especially here in Nyanga. Most hotels were booked at above 90 percent well into New Year. I am sure this is our best year in the last decade and we hope it will get much better as we go into 2018,” he said.
Mr Nyakutombwa said the increased business in tourism industry was attributed to the improved quality of products that are being offered in the Eastern Highlands. He said aggressive marketing of the tourism destinations contributed to the rise in number of tourists visiting Nyanga and some resorts in surrounding areas.
“I think this is due to the fact that our product quality has improved and our clients are getting value for money,” said Mr Nyakutombwa. “There has been aggressive marketing also on our part and as you are aware we have had introduction of exciting activities such as the Skyline and Skywalk at Mutarazi.”
Nyanga South legislator Cde Supa Mandiwanzira urged other players to step-up their game and improve on service delivery.
“This is quite an encouraging development,” he said. “It is quite positive in the sense that as a country we are on a turning point and we are embarking on a positive trajectory with a new dispensation.
“The growth of the tourism industry in Nyanga will create jobs for young people and other players such as farmers, grocers and other suppliers. But I would also like to encourage service providers such as the Ministry of Transport, ZESA, ZINWA and health facilities to step-up their game and improve in service delivery, so as to ensure that our visitors enjoy uninterrupted services. Our roads and water supplies need constant attention.”
Online Reporter