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Victoria Falls Reporter
THE Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) and Shearwater Adventures have announced discounted rates for accommodation and activities during the 20th session of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly. The tourism indaba will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Zambia between 24 and 29 August.
In an interview yesterday, HAZ president for Victoria Falls region, Mr Jonathan Hudson, said the move was in line with the spirit of supporting the event and promoting the country’s tourism sector.
“As part of supporting the country’s co-hosting of the general assembly. HAZ and Shearwater Adventures have agreed to have discounted rates for the delegates attending the UNWTO General Assembly,” he said.
Mr Hudson said the discounted rates would vary between 10 and 20 percent for normal rooms and presidential suites.
“We have agreed on discounted rates for the UNWTO delegates between 10 and 20 percent across hotels. This is our way of thanking UNWTO for granting us the opportunity to co-host the 20th session of the general assembly.
“It is an honour to be part of the tourism sector and there is no point in trying to be greedy by charging ridiculous amounts for accommodation since this is an event that is aimed at promoting our country as the destination of choice,” said Mr Hudson.
He said Rainbow Hotel, Kingdom Hotel and Cresta Sprayview will charge about $99 per room, Kingdom Hotel about $166, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge $185.
Ilala Lodge will charge $182 while A ‘Zambezi River Lodge will charge $175. Elephant Hills Resort and Victoria Falls Hotel will charge $200 and $340 respectively.
Shearwater Adventures group public relations manager Mr Clement Mukwasi, said his company had slashed prices by 20 percent for delegates intending to partake in different leisure activities that include bungee jumping, boat cruises and helicopter flights over the scenic Victoria Falls gorge.
He said the gesture was aimed at encouraging local, regional and international visitors to sample their products and in turn market the products.
Bungee jumping would cost $104 from $130 while boat cruise has been reduced from $45 to $36. Helicopter ride popularly known as Flight of Angels would now cost $105 from $140.
“We have a whole range of products like lion walk, elephant interaction, bridge tour and bridge slide among others which we have discounted by 20 percent.
“We encourage all the players in the industry to do the same in the spirit of welcoming the world to the country,” he said.
Mr Mukwasi said his company would be operating boat cruise trips throughout the day to meet demands for an anticipated increase in the number of tourists.
With less than 49 days to go before the start of the tourism indaba, Zimbabwe and Zambia have been taking all steps to showcase their tourism products, people and culture.
The two countries thrive on tourism, which is a key sector that helps in creating jobs and boosting their economies.
The general assembly would be coming to Africa for the second time after having been initially hosted by Senegal several years ago.
Online Reporter