Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Mutare Bureau
HOTELS and lodges in and around Mutare are enjoying a surge in bookings ahead of the 22nd ZANU PF Annual National People’s Conference, with the hospitality industry saying the influx of delegates has triggered one of the busiest weeks of the year.
The checklist for the conference venue, Mutare Polytechnic’s Pavilion Ground, has been completed.
The conference, whose theme is “Attainment of Vision 2030 through economic empowerment and value addition”, runs from October 13 to 18, starting with Politburo and Central Committee meetings in Harare.
Upwards of 4 000 delegates, including senior Government officials, party officials, traditional leaders and foreign delegates are expected at the conference.
With bookings spilling over from Mutare to Vumba, Nyanga and Rusape, the Manicaland tourism and hospitality sector is hopeful the Zanu PF conference will help them close the year on a high note, especially after hosting the Sanganai/Hlnganani/ Kumbanayi World Expo recently.
In an interview yesterday, Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe outgoing president and Manica Skyview Hotel general manager, Mr Brian Nyakutombwa, said the industry is witnessing one of its highest occupancy levels in recent years.
“All the accommodation providers in and around Mutare have benefitted from this conference as they are fully booked,” he said.
“I am not only talking about big hotels, but lodges and even some small properties are also fully booked for the conference days.”
Mr Nyakutombwa said the ZANU PF conference falls under MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions), a key driver of economic activity that extends beyond politics.
“Conferences and events, whether political, religious, or educational, benefit us greatly as they bring in people from across the country.
“If we could have such conferences regularly in Manicaland, we would be grateful,” said Mr Nyakutombwa.
Apart from filling rooms, such large events enhance Mutare’s visibility as a tourism and business destination, potentially drawing more visitors in the future.
At Manica Skyview Hotel, Mr Nyakutombwa said preparations were complete to ensure delegates enjoy a comfortable stay.
“We have thoroughly prepared our rooms and facilities, making several adjustments to match delegates’ preferences.
“From enhancing comfort levels to improving our catering and wi-fi services, we are ready to accommodate the expected influx of guests and ensure their stay in Mutare during the conference is memorable,” he said.
Eastern Highlands Experience chairman, Mr William Chatigu, echoed the same sentiments, saying the conference has created a ripple effect across the province’s tourism and hospitality chain.
“I can confirm that all lodges and hotels here in Vumba are full and that this massive conference is bringing and leaving quite a mark in the tourism and hospitality industry.
“We are quite excited as hoteliers from Manicaland,” he said.
Mr Chatigu added that as the conference gets ready to roll, Mutare’s hotels, lodges and tourism operators are bracing for a rare boom.
“This surge in bookings is bringing in what we call the tourism multiplier effect because it is not just the accommodation service providers that are benefiting, but even the farmer in Manicaland also, and the tourism sector as a whole, is reaping the rewards because the focus is on Mutare right now,” he said.
Those that will be in Mutare for the first time during the conference are expected to return for tourism or business, a development that could boost visitor arrivals to the province beyond the Zanu PF conference week.
Added Mr Chatigu: “These big events are a plus for us because even roads are being upgraded and infrastructure is being improved.
“Despite the immediate business brought by the conference, we are also gaining from the infrastructural developments that come with it.
“We expect an influx of visitors to Manicaland during the festive season, and we need more of these massive conferences.”
However, Mr Chatigu said the high demand for accommodation in Mutare, resulting in a shortage that has seen other conference delegates living as far as Nyanga and Rusape, requires that more hotels and lodges be constructed.
