Chronicle Editor
Sikhulekelani Moyo
STERLING Group of Hotels which recently opened a 62-roomed facility in Bulawayo has invested about US$6 million in the tourism and hospitality industry a development seen as a positive trajectory for growth.
The launch brings in additional accommodation for the upcoming Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) set to be held next week.
Over the years, the city experiences accommodation challenges for exhibitors.
Sterling Group of Hotels is wholly owned by Zimbabweans with three properties, an executive Boutique hotel in Borrowdale in Harare, with 14 rooms, Mvurwi with 28 rooms and 18 villas, and the new Sterling Bulawayo hotel with 62 rooms.
During the official launch of Sterling Bulawayo Hotel on Friday, Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry Hon Mangaliso Ndlovu said the coming on board of the new hotel facility in Bulawayo supports the city as the meeting, incentives, conference, and exhibitions (MICE) tourism.
“Accordingly, the development of Sterling Hotel Bulawayo is a clear testament that the tourism sector at large is on a positive trajectory for growth and development.
“The hotel is the third tourism facility that the Sterling Hotel Group has to date invested in, in addition to the two that are already running in both Harare and Mvurwi bringing the total investment the group has ploughed into tourism to about US$6 million,” said Minister Ndlovu.
He said as part of the group’s innovative product offering, the Sterling Hospitality Group has invested in and will harness advanced technology as part of its broad strategy of levelling the information gap between large and small operators.
“This will go a long way in maximising reputation, revenue, and customer experience through streamlining processes, providing valuable insights, and optimising experiences. The use of technology will also help capture relevant clientele data thereby assisting in the provision of personalised service and the conferring of rewards programmes,” he said.
Sterling Hotels managing director, Mrs Shaurai Manyika applauded the efforts made by the Government through the ease of doing business initiative which goes a long way in improving the hospitality sector.
“The journey to where we are today has not been smooth but with invaluable support, here we are. As an upcoming Group of Hotels, we commit to play our part and make our contribution towards the achievement of industry targets towards the attainment of the NDS1 and Vision 2030,” she said.
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