The Sunday News
AS the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair exhibition draws nearer, accommodation has become a huge issue for thousands of people who visit Bulawayo during the annual event.
However, Munda Lodge that started operating in October last year, is a new kid in the sector which has joined the efforts to ensure that there is competitive accommodation in the city, reducing the agony visitors face during the exhibition which will this year be held from 28 April to 2 May.
With 26 rooms equipped with all the necessary facilities to ensure visitors relax, the lodge will welcome its first ZITF guests this year.
It is situated in the affluent low-density suburb of Burnside in Bulawayo and the environment, according to officials, presents guests with an ideal serene place away from the hustle and bustle of the city yet close enough for guests to access the city’s amenities.
“Our up-market rooms are designed to offer optimum comfort. The four executive rooms have excellent Jacuzzi bathrooms while the standard rooms have modern showers to soothe and relax our valued guests.
“We also boast of a fairly experienced chef and literally we are trying to find a niche for ourselves not just to be known for providing ordinary meals but we are looking at having our own signature meals,” Munda Lodge marketing manager Mr Mgcini Dube said.
He said the facility intended to use this year’s ZITF as a platform to reach out to many prospective international travellers as well as to interact with other players in the hospitality industry.
“The ZITF creates high demand for accommodation. This is very good for our business and for the hospitality industry at large although sadly this period tends to force an increase in rates thereby inconveniencing some guests who visit the city for other business not related to the trade fair.
“Of course we are facing challenges with our pricing model since we are fairly new players in the industry hence we are constantly reviewing prices to ensure that they become extremely competitive and offer value for money to our valued guests.”
He said they were also involved in marketing strategies to ensure that the lodge becomes a preferred hospitality facility for many people both locals and visitors.
“We are advertising on local and national Press to reach out to many prospective guests and other players in the hospitality industry.
“We are in the process of putting up welcome billboards on all highways leading into the city.”
He said plans were underway to increase space for infrastructural development.
“We are discussing with our neighbours with the view of acquiring land from them and the negotiations are promising and hopefully before end of year we will have concluded the talks.
“We are looking forward to increasing the number of our rooms as well as constructing facilities for a number of recreational activities. We are already making plans of constructing a swimming pool and an outdoor bar,” Mr Dube said.
The lodge has also entered into an arrangement with its horse breeding neighbour to recommend all its guests that are fond of horse riding there. It also offers shuttle services to tourist attraction destinations that are around the city.
