RTG to stop operations in Sikumi, Matopos lodges

 

RTG corporate and communications manager Ms Eltah Nengomasha said the move by her company was in line with the group’s strategy to disinvest from non-core operations and focus on core hotel management operations.

The two lodges were part of the Touch the Wild Group which was a wholly owned subsidiary of RTG.
In response to questions from Business Chronicle,  Ms Nengomasha said: “This move is in line with    the group strategic position that was announced last year to dispose of its non-core assets which  included Touch the Wild and Tourism Services Zimbabwe.

“Sikumi Tree lodge and Matobo Hills Lodge are part of Touch the Wild.”

Ms Nengomasha said the disposal of the non-core assets placed the group in a better position to concentrate on its core business.

Sources close to the developments said operations at the two lodges would stop on Saturday.

“RTG human resources team had been to the two lodges to sort out issues relating to the affected employees and provisions have been put in place to safeguard the interests of clients also,” said the source.

Sikumi Tree Lodge closes on a high note after it received a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence award on 23 May 2012.

The accolade, which honours hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews on TripAdvisor, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide.

Approximately 10 percent of accommodations listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious                award.

“Our aim was to revive the famous Sikumi Tree Lodge when we started two years ago                       together with the team. We’re thrilled to receive this inspirational award,” said lodge managers Brian and Marleen Sabeta.

Sikumi Tree Lodge borders the Hwange National Park and is situated on the Dete Vlei.

There are 13 thatched tree houses which are built in an old Acacia grove.

The lodge has been operating for more than 20 years and is home to the Presidential Herd of Elephant, lions, cheetah, buffalo, painted dogs and many more animals and birds which people come to see on safaris.